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Investigative journalist Hafiz Babalı, sentenced to 9 years in the "Abzas Media case," defies his unjust imprisonment. Read his powerful public address from prison: "The stones you throw will return like a boomerang." A fierce fight for media freedom and justice.

Baku Court hears arguments for activists Anar Mammadli & Anar Abdulla, challenging charges as politically motivated. The defense cites the government's failure to annul an illegal ECtHR-ruled conviction and using the NGO's unregistered status against him. This raises Rule of Law concerns.

Former Azerbaijani political prisoner and Russian citizen, Saleh Rustamov, was unexpectedly barred from leaving Azerbaijan on Nov 18 at Baku Airport due to an unexplained travel ban. The incident raises questions about the rights of pardoned political figures and freedom of movement.

GRU agent Yaroslav Mikhailov, suspected of coordinating the 2024 cargo bomb attacks in Europe (DHL, DPD), is the subject of an intense extradition struggle in Azerbaijan. Russia's FSB, SVR, and GRU are pressuring Baku for his return, while Western allies seek his custody for terrorism charges.

Reports expose alleged rights violations and tightened security at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center (BİT). Following contraband discovery, intense searches and structural changes are reportedly used to pressure political prisoners and infringe on their right to a lawyer.

Imprisoned religious activist Nigar Baghirova is on a hunger strike protesting her detention extension. She claims state weakness & demands "Acquittal or Martyrdom." Read her defiant interview: "Living with fear is scarier than prison."

Georgia will shut down its Anti-Corruption Bureau by 2026. The EU quickly criticized this move, saying it harms Georgia's chances of joining the Union. The government claims it is saving resources, but many worry it weakens democracy and reduces watchfulness against corruption.

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister, has been sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity in Bangladesh. The ruling, connected to the 2024 student protests, impacts the political situation and the interim government of Muhammad Yunus.

Journalist Nurlan Libre, arrested in the "Meydan TV case," writes from prison: "I will continue writing." Read his powerful letter on detention, the struggle for a free press, and his unwavering commitment to conveying the truth, despite facing 8-12 years. He regrets nothing.

Azerbaijan's Supreme Court upheld the 10-year prison sentence for activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev on Nov 18. Hajiyev, a fierce government critic, was convicted on 8 charges, including illegal entrepreneurship and smuggling, which he rejects as politically motivated. The defense's anonymous evidence argument was dismissed.

Georgian Dream stops citizens abroad from voting in national and local elections, citing 'external pressure' after the diaspora largely voted opposition in 2024. The new rule requires the nearly 95,000 registered voters to return to Georgia to cast their ballot. Read the full policy change details.

Exiled Azerbaijani journalist Ganimat Zahid is summoned by the Prosecutor General's Office on charges of "Public calls against the state" (Art. 281.2). A four-month absentee arrest warrant has been issued, escalating concerns over press freedom and political pressure on critics.

Jailed academic Bahruz Samadov's complaint against his confinement in a punishment cell was dismissed by an Azerbaijani court on Nov 17. The peace activist, serving a 15-year sentence on state treason charges he denies, remains in isolation. His arrest is widely viewed as politically motivated.

Talysh activist and Russian citizen Kamal Isayev was detained in Turkey and moved to Azerbaijan by the DTX. Read the report on his disappearance, the citizenship dispute, and the crackdown on Talysh rights advocates.

Jailed Azerbaijani investigative journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi wins the prestigious Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Prize for Courage. The Editor-in-Chief of Abzas Media was honored for her resilience against injustice after receiving a 9-year sentence for anti-corruption reporting.

Moldova's Parliament advances a plan to close the Russian House (Center for Science and Culture) in Chișinău, citing propaganda and security threats. Pro-European parties voted overwhelmingly for the measure, which Russia calls "erroneous." Final vote expected soon.

Russian opposition leader Leonid Gozman was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in a penal colony for "military fakes" and "justification of terrorism" over an interview with the German press. Gozman, a "foreign agent," faces a massive crackdown on dissent.

Azerbaijan's prosecution demands life sentences for former Nagorno-Karabakh leaders, including Arayik Harutyunyan, on charges of genocide, terrorism, and war crimes. The trial for 15 officials resumes November 27 in Baku.

BBC apologizes to Donald Trump for misleadingly edited footage of his January 6 speech, which incorrectly suggested he incited violence. The broadcaster rejected Trump's $1 billion defamation claim. Two top executives resigned amid the controversy.

Azerbaijan strongly protests Russia after an Iskander-type missile strike severely damaged its Embassy in Kyiv on Nov 14. Baku demanded a full investigation and explanation, highlighting that this is one of several repeated attacks against Azerbaijani diplomatic missions and SOCAR assets in Ukraine since 2022.