Representatives of the Council of Europe have called on Azerbaijani authorities to release human rights defender Anar Mammadli, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Specifically, PACE rapporteur on political prisoners Azadeh Rojhan asserts that his prosecution is political in nature and that fundamental principles of a fair trial were violated during the proceedings.
Heavy rainfall in the North Caucasus has caused widespread flooding in Ingushetia. According to the regional office of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, more than 60 private homes and adjacent areas were damaged in the republic.
The situation was most severe in Karabulak and the village of Troitskaya. In Karabulak, 15 homes and 27 yards were flooded, while in the village of Troitskaya, 22 homes were damaged. The flood also partially washed out sections of roads.
Authorities in Sunzha reported a sharp rise in the Sunzha River: in a short period of time, the water level rose by approximately three meters, approaching dangerous levels. Residents were advised to prepare documents and necessary items in advance in case of evacuation.
This is the second major wave of severe weather in the region in recent months. In late March, torrential rains in Ingushetia caused power outages and rising river water levels, prompting emergency services to go on high alert.
A new wave of rainfall also affected Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia, and the Stavropol Krai. Rivers overflowed their banks in several settlements, reaching dangerous levels in some places. Roads, bridges, and private homes were damaged. Landslides, mudflows, and rockfalls were again reported in mountainous areas.