Former Russian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan went on hunger strike in an Azerbaijani prison

The former head of Nagorno-Karabakh, ex-citizen of the Russian Federation, billionaire Ruben Vardanyan went on a hunger strike in a Baku prison. He demanded his release, as well as the release of all Armenian political prisoners.

The hunger strike began on April 5 following repeated requests from Vardanyan and his lawyer for a fair and transparent trial. The prisoner's relatives reported that with the start of the hunger strike, telephone calls to him stopped, which is a violation of international standards. The court hearing from January was postponed to May.

Vardanyan's family demands access to the court for international observers and the media. Among the demands of the former head of Karabakh is the release of Armenian political prisoners, and only after this is it possible to conclude a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ruben Vardanyan was arrested on September 28, 2023. He was accused of financing terrorism, illegally crossing the state border to commit terrorist attacks and organizing illegal armed groups. Vardanyan has repeatedly criticized Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for “surrendering” Nagorno-Karabakh and called on the Russian leadership to provide support to the region and Armenia.

Последние новости
Georgian Dream further tightens regulations for assemblies and demonstrations
Politics
Georgian Dream further tightens regulations for assemblies and demonstrations
8 December 2025

Georgia's ruling party has initiated amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations and the Code of Administrative Offenses, the discussion and adoption of which will proceed expeditiously. According to the bill, organizers of events at "places where people move" will be required to notify state authorities in advance.

The North Caucasus republics ranked last in the car affordability rankings for families
Economy
The North Caucasus republics ranked last in the car affordability rankings for families
8 December 2025

A RIA Novosti study revealed significant differences in car affordability across Russian regions. The worst situation is observed in the North Caucasus republics, where only a small proportion of families can afford to purchase and maintain a new car on credit.

Former Georgian Interior Ministry Official: Banned Substance Used to Disperse Rally at Central Election Commission in 2020
Politics
Former Georgian Interior Ministry Official: Banned Substance Used to Disperse Rally at Central Election Commission in 2020
8 December 2025

Former Georgian Interior Ministry official Lasha Shergelashvili, who served as the head of the Armaments Department of the Special Operations Directorate, said on Formula TV that a banned substance was used to suppress a protest outside the Central Election Commission in 2020. When asked if he had any suspicions, he replied that he "knew for sure that it was used" as he was there at the time.

The Speaker of the Russian State Duma questioned Georgia's prospects for European integration due to its adoption of an anti-LGBT law
Politics
The Speaker of the Russian State Duma questioned Georgia's prospects for European integration due to its adoption of an anti-LGBT law
8 December 2025

Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin recalled that anti-LGBT laws have been in effect in Russia for three years, prohibiting any propaganda of LGBT rights, pedophilia, and gender reassignment. He also noted that, according to the amendment to the country's Constitution, "marriage is a union between a man and a woman," emphasizing that this is the choice of Russian citizens.