Trial of opposition party activist begins in Azerbaijan

A criminal case has begun in a Baku court against Novruz Taghiyev, an activist with the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), accused of fraud and document forgery. Taghiyev is also known as a pro bono security guard for PFPA leader Ali Karimli.

Tagiyev's defense team filed three motions. Specifically, they insisted on dismissing the case due to a lack of convincing evidence. Alternatively, the defense asked the court to change the preventive measure to house arrest. They also requested that Taghiyev be allowed to remain in the courtroom with his lawyer, rather than in a glass cage, which the defense believes is necessary for effective work. The court granted only the latter motion.

On November 29, 2025, State Security Service officers detained Ali Karimli and his advisor, Mammad Ibrahim. Both opposition figures were sentenced to two and a half months of pretrial detention. Kerimli is accused of attempting to violently seize power, but denies the charges, considering the case politically motivated.

Последние новости
Ingushetia, a fair was canceled to facilitate the search for a boy missing in a river
Society
Ingushetia, a fair was canceled to facilitate the search for a boy missing in a river
20 June 2026

Today, a planned weekend fair was canceled in the city of Sunzha, Ingushetia. The administration's press service explained that the decision was made to prevent traffic congestion and ensure the smooth operation of the task force coordinating the search for the missing boy.
Azerbaijan has handed down new sentences to Russians detained following tensions with Moscow
Politics
Azerbaijan has handed down new sentences to Russians detained following tensions with Moscow
20 June 2026

A Baku court has sentenced eight more Russians accused of cybercrime and drug trafficking. They were previously detained amid tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia.
Moscow Closes Market, Brussels Opens Wallets: EU Allocates €34 Million to Armenia
Politics
Moscow Closes Market, Brussels Opens Wallets: EU Allocates €34 Million to Armenia
19 June 2026

The European Commission has provided Armenia with €34 million in financial support. The funds are intended to offset the negative impact of Russian trade sanctions on private businesses.
The Armenian newspaper Hraparak writes about a possible early presidential change
Human rights
The Armenian newspaper Hraparak writes about a possible early presidential change
19 June 2026

According to a report by Hraparak, an unspoken competition for the presidential seat has flared up in Armenia among representatives of the ruling Civil Contract party. The source reports that this standoff is due to reports of incumbent President Vahagn Khachaturyan's significant health problems, which presumably will prevent him from completing his term in office.