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Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan announced a referendum on a new constitution will happen after the 2026 elections. The reform aims to restore internal legitimacy, ensure stability, and is linked to foreign policy decisions like the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. The opposition warns voters to reject the move.

Azerbaijani national Orkhan Asadov was sentenced to 6.5 years in Cyprus for gun possession. Initial terrorism charges, which Israeli officials linked to Iran and anti-Israeli plots, were dropped by prosecutors. Asadov's lawyer confirmed the case had no connection to terrorism.

Read about the controversial arrests in Baku following a march displaying USSR flags. Authorities cite public order disturbance, but legal experts debate the constitutionality of the charges, arguing Soviet symbols are not banned. Explore the conflict between free assembly and political sensitivity in Azerbaijan.

Imprisoned Azerbaijani labor activist Aykhan Israfilov (İşçi Masası) is on a dangerous hunger strike to protest illegal closed-regime conditions and the withholding of personal items. Framed for his political views after supporting couriers, his family fears for the disabled activist's life. ECHR already ruled his rights were violated.

Activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev has started a hunger strike after being placed in solitary confinement (karser) at Prison Facility No. 6. His brother raises grave health concerns. Hajiyev is serving a 10-year sentence and claims his 2022 arrest was politically motivated due to criticizing the Interior Minister.

Russia nationalizes the core assets of Tuapse Sea Commercial Port (TSCP), seizing them from Azerbaijani businessman Shahlar Novruzov following his arrest on fraud charges. Prosecutors cited national security concerns over illegal deals dating back to 1994 to justify the shift to state ownership.

Journalist Ulviyya Ali's detention in Azerbaijan is extended until Dec 27 in the Meydan TV case. Accused of smuggling, Ali used a poem in court to dispute the charges, which she calls irrelevant. The high-profile case now involves 12 suspects. Get the full details on the extension and the case context.

ECHR rules in favor of 'Azadlig' newspaper, declaring a 2012 fine over a critical article about the Baku Metro's finances was a violation of press freedom. The court ordered Azerbaijan to pay €29,500 in damages. A landmark decision for journalism and free speech.

Six jailed journalists and activists in Baku formed the Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners (CPPP) on Nov 24 to fight systematic human rights violations and protect the interests of 392 political prisoners. They cite compromised courts as the primary concern.

Tense Baku court hearing for Toplum TV journalists: Farid Ismayilov challenged smuggling charges and demanded Customs Head Shahin Bagirov testify, questioning his state honor amid media arrests. The case highlights major concerns about media freedom and political motivations in Azerbaijan. Read more.

Jailed journalist Ulviyya Ali (Guliyeva) shares the poignant story of Enver, an exploited "household worker" in the Baku Pre-trial Detention Center. Learn about his unseen labor, his dedication of a 340 AZN salary to an old loan, and his simple, heartbreaking wish for dignity and a meal in freedom. A powerful testament to social injustice and the value of human labor.

Azerbaijani activist Afiaddin Mammadov exposes severe corruption and extreme overcrowding (1800/800 capacity) in Prison Facility No. 2. His letter details bribe demands for early release and denial of video calls, urging the government to declare a major amnesty and focus on job creation.

COP30 in the Amazon failed to deliver a critical fossil fuel phase-out agreement, despite scientific warnings and public protests. Oil states, powerful lobbyists, and the US absence created a "missed chance," widening the gap between climate talks and the urgent need to cut emissions by 5% annually.

Political prisoner Elman Sheydayev starts a hunger strike and sews his mouth shut in an Azerbaijan prison, demanding the release of six religious women jailed on disputed charges related to charity work. This extreme protest highlights serious concerns about religious and political freedom. Read the full story.

Talish historian Zahireddin Ibrahimov's detention was extended by a Baku court on Nov 21. Charged with treason (Article 274) and inciting ethnic hatred by the SSS, the Russian citizen faces legal action over alleged foreign-backed actions against Azerbaijan's sovereignty. Full details on the case and his activism.

Chechnya's strict new dress codes (Gazyri ban, headscarves) spark debate: Is it cultural preservation, or a tool for political control and business advantage for the Kadyrov family's Firdaws fashion house? Critics argue rules often contradict Chechen customs (Adats).

Ukraine faces a difficult choice regarding Trump's peace plan, which demands major compromises like ceding 20% of land (Crimea, Donbas) and a NATO ban, risking US support. Europe views the proposal as surrender.

Georgia's government faces intense international pressure over new restrictive laws, including the Foreign Agents Act and a voter ban for citizens abroad. Critics from PACE and the UN warn these actions push Georgia away from its Euro-Atlantic path and align it with Moscow's political views.

Restarting strategic ties: The first Azerbaijan-US Think-Tank Meeting in Baku (Nov 2025) focused on the new partnership course, the peace process with Armenia, and energy security (TRIPP, green energy). The event launched multi-level cooperation and addressed challenges in the local research sector.

Tragedy at Lake Hotel, Baku: Four young workers (18, 19, 20, 28) died instantly on Nov 21 after their metal ladder struck a high-voltage power line in the Binagadi area. An investigation is underway into labor protection violations (Criminal Code 162.3). Details on the fatal accident and the privately owned 35 kV line.