Political scientist who criticized the government detained in Azerbaijan

Political scientist Bahruz Samadov has been detained in Baku. He published articles criticizing the Azerbaijani government in Western media and analytical publications. Security forces came to Samadov's house under the pretext of searching for drugs, which were not found. As a result, they took the political scientist himself, his documents, and his computer with them.

Samadov is suspected of "high treason": allegedly, he corresponded with Armenians and wrote articles on their orders. The lawyer denies these accusations. According to him, Bahruz was engaged in scientific research. He is a doctoral student at Charles University in the Czech Republic and came home on vacation a month ago. Bahruz Samadov is also known as the author of the OC Media publication and the Baku Research Institute resource published in the West.

Последние новости
Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
Politics
Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
30 July 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Yerevan does not rule out taking its dispute with Russia over the management of the South Caucasus Railway to an international court if the issue cannot be resolved through negotiations. At the same time, he stressed that the Armenian authorities hope to settle the matter through talks.

Circassian Youth from Syria and Turkey Hold First Joint Meeting in Damascus Since Change of Power
Society
Circassian Youth from Syria and Turkey Hold First Joint Meeting in Damascus Since Change of Power
30 July 2026

Circassian youth from Syria and Turkey have held their first international gathering in Damascus since the change of power in the country, bringing together young members of the diaspora to strengthen cultural ties, foster dialogue, and discuss future cooperation.

Georgia Denies International Protection to 17 Ukrainians, Who Now Face Possible Deportation
Human rights
Georgia Denies International Protection to 17 Ukrainians, Who Now Face Possible Deportation
30 July 2026

Georgian authorities have denied international protection to 17 Ukrainian citizens who have spent nearly a year in the basement of the Dariali border crossing point (Upper Lars) on the Georgia–Russia border. Once the decisions take legal effect, they could be deported at any moment.

Fuel Crisis Reaches Abkhazia as Long Queues Form at Petrol Stations
Economy
Fuel Crisis Reaches Abkhazia as Long Queues Form at Petrol Stations
30 July 2026

Abkhazia is facing a sharp deterioration in its fuel supply, with long queues forming at major petrol stations in Sukhumi and other towns. Some filling stations have introduced a limit of 20 litres of petrol per vehicle. The de facto authorities acknowledge supply disruptions but insist they are temporary.