The Caucasus Digest

This week, Robin Fabbro and Mariam Nikuradze sat down with Georgia staff writer Mikheil Gvadzabia to discuss the Georgian authoritie' crackdown on free speech in the country, from fines and prison time for insulting public figures to state surveillance. Read more: Georgian comedian attacked over joke after pro-government media smear campaign Georgian journalist sentenced to 14 days over Facebook post Georgian Dream is watching: how AI-powered surveillance is used against Tbilisi protesters Read more about Rustaveli Avenue's closure here. If you have any questions, thoughts, or tips, e-mail us at [email protected]. Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today.

This week, Robin Fabbro and Mariam Nikuradze sat down with Georgia staff writer Mikheil Gvadzabia to talk about Georgia's oppositon, including the charges pressed against major opposition leaders and internal conflicts within the parties and the Opposition Alliance. Read more: Georgian opposition figure Elisashvili sentenced to 13 years in prison on terrorism-related charges Georgia brings charges of sabotage against main opposition leaders Saakashvili announces plans to 'reform' UNM Read more about the 'Rike Tubes' set to be demolished in Tbilisi here. Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. If you have any questions, thoughts, or tips, e-mail us at [email protected].

This week, Mariam Nikuradze sat down with OC Media editors Yousef Bardouka and Nate Ostiller to talk about the delegations Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia sent out to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's funeral. The three talk about the three countries' dynamics with Iran and its ongoing conflict with Israel and the US. Read more: South Caucasus officials attend Tehran funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei Israel sent troops to Azerbaijan during Iran War, sources tell CNN Waiting for a free Iran: the exiles who found a home in Armenia Israel says it uncovered Iranian terror network following failed attack on Baku pipeline How the Iran war is putting a dent in Georgia's tourism industry Additional topics mentioned during the episode: You can find the episode we have mentioned in the show about Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili's attempt to transport baobab trees from Kenya to Georgia here. You can find short report on the lion cub given to Tbilisi Zoo by judoka Lasha Bekauri here. Check out this Guardian article on how Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov turned to social media in a bid to find his lost cat, Toyger. Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. If you have any questions, thoughts, or tips, e-mail us at [email protected].

This week, editor-in-chief Robin Fabbro and OC Media co-founder Mariam Nikuradze spoke with Georgia staff writer Mikheil Gvadzabia about the current state of repression in Georgia, over a year after daily protests erupted in the country against the ruling Georgian Dream party's policies. Read more: Two Georgian protesters released, one of them fined immediately Imprisoned Georgian opera singer's protest fines reach $270,000 Georgian activist fined for wishing Ivanishvili and loved ones death on Facebook Report says Georgia uses Russian surveillance software against anti-government protesters If you are interested in attending our screening of the Armenian documentary Tonratun in Yerevan or remotely through Discord, please fill out this form. if you are already an OC Media member, you can RSVP through the form to directly claim your spot. If you are not a member, you can still grab a seat for a symbolic €5 fee. Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. If you have any questions, thoughts, or tips, e-mail us at [email protected].

This week, editor-in-chief Robin Fabbro and OC Media co-founder Mariam Nikuradze spoke with OC Media contributor Javid Agha about Azerbaijan's recent blocking of the outlet's website and the recent establishment of a new National Cybersecurity Agency and the impact it could have on censorship in Azerbaijan. Read more: Azerbaijan blocks access to OC Media website Azerbaijan builds a single engine for online control Here are links to the Google Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia country profiles for data on government content removal requests mentioned in the episode. If you have any questions, thoughts, or tips, e-mail us at [email protected]. Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today.

OC Media's Caucasus Digest is back after a year-long hiatus! For our relaunch, editor-in-chief Robin Fabbro and his new co-host, OC Media co-founder Mariam Nikuradze, chat with Armenia staff writer Arshaluys Barseghyan about Armenia's big parliamentary elections.  The three discuss the lead-up to the 6 June elections, covering them on the ground in Armenia, and the aftermath of the vote. Read more: Armenian government faces uphill battle over new constitution following election results Pashinyan's Civil Contract wins parliamentary elections Russia calls Armenian elections 'questionable' If you have any questions, thoughts, or tips, e-mail us at [email protected]. Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today.

This Wednesday, 17 June, tune in to listen to listen OC Media editor-in-chief Robin Fabbro, his new co-host OC Media's co-founder Mariam Nikuradze, and Armenian staff writer Arshaluys Barseghyan break down the 7 June Armenian parliamentary elections and their aftermath. Be sure to subscribe to catch the latest episodes as soon as they are out. Support our work by becoming an OC Media member for as little as €5 a month!

The recent cuts to US foreign aid have affected media outlets across the Caucasus and the world — including OC Media. This week, OC Media editor-in-chief Robin Fabbro and co-directors Mariam Nikuradze and Dominik Cagara sit down to discuss how OC Media's plans to survive and thrive in the new global reality through its membership programme and the support of its readers. Read more: OC Media co-director Mariam Nikuradze fined twice for 'road blocking' while covering rallies OC Media donates crowdfunding proceeds to local media as Trump's aid cuts continue to hit OC Media faces closure after Trump–Musk aid cuts hit $250,000 in funding Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today.

Mzia Amaghlobeli, the director of Georgian news sites Batumelebi and Netgazeti, has been arrested on charges of assaulting a police officer after slapping Batumi's police chief during a heated exchange. Journalists, legal experts, and media watchdogs have criticised the arrest, saying that the charges, under which she could face four to seven years in prison, are wildly disproportionate to what she had done. This week, we spoke with Batumelebi's Irma Dimitradze about the circumstances surrounding the arrest, to journalist Tamar Rukhadze, about the current media environment in Georgia, and to OC Media's Mariam Nikuradze about the legal debate around her prosecution. Read more: Batumelebi and Netgazeti founder Amaghlobeli begins hunger strike while in pretrial detention Batumelebi employee accuses police of hacking and wiping phone following arrest Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

On 9 January, Ukraine's Parliament has recognised the Russian Empire's 19th century genocide of the Circassians, during which Russian forced killed or deported hundreds of thousands of Circassians from their homeland in the Caucasus. This week, OC Media's Yousef Bardouka talks about the genocide and its impact on the Circassians and the Caucasus and the significance of the resolution, while Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko, a co-author of the resolution, talks about how the bill came to be and Ukraine's role in supporting the people of the North Caucasus. Read more: Ukraine recognises Circassian Genocide Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

OC Media's Robin Fabbro, Mariam Nikuradze, and Shota Kincha sit down and chat about the protests against the Georgian government's decision to halt EU integration, going on for almost a month now as the holiday season descends on Georgia.  Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

OC Media's Robin Fabbro, Nate Ostiller, Arshaluys Barseghyan, and Yousef Bardouka talk about the regime change in Syria and what it means for the Caucasian diaspora communities in the country and what it says about Russia's influence and power globally. Read more: Armenia says 'no opportunity' to evacuate Syrian–Armenians Syrian rebel leader condemns Abkhazia and South Ossetia recognition Right of return? — The struggles of the Circassian diaspora to settle in Adygea   Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

OC Media's Robin Fabbro and Mariam Nikuradze talk about the spontaneous protest movement which erupted after the Georgian government's announcement that the country would 'halt' its EU integration. Mariam shares her experience covering the protests and details how the police injured her and damaged her cameras as she was covering their violent dispersal of the protests. Read more: Anti-government protests spread to Georgia's regions: the case of Marneuli Explainer | After a month of simmering protests, Georgia erupted: why now? Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

Georgian Dream have launched the new parliament without any opposition, amidst continued calls for an investigation into irregularities in the same parliamentary elections that helped them secure their fourth term as the majority. A month after the elections, OC Media's Robin Fabbro, Mariam Nikuradze, and Shota Kincha sit down and talk about the developments surrounding the protests against electoral fraud and Georgian Dream's plans for the future. Read more: Georgian Dream to halt EU membership bid European Parliament rejects Georgia's elections results, calls for a redo and sanctions Georgian Dream approves new government Editorial | Georgia's rigged election Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

Last week, Donald Trump was re-elected for a second term as president of the United States. This week, Robin Fabbro and OC Media editors Alexandra Kuenning and Nate Ostiller discuss what Trump's re-election as president might mean for the Caucasus as he appoints a new administration and the outcome of the war in Ukraine becomes more uncertain. Read more: How a Trump presidency could impact the South Caucasus Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

With the UN COP conference soon kicking off in Baku, we sat down with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg to talk about the choice of Azerbaijan, an oil-producing state with a questionable human rights record, as host. Read more: Controversy as COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

With Georgia's parliamentary elections inching closer, both the ruling Georgian Dream party and the many groups representing the opposition are scrambling to prepare for the critical vote on 26 October. This week, OC Media's Robin Fabbro, Mariam Nikuradze, and Shota Kincha discuss how the pre-election campaign period has been going, claims of electoral violations by Georgian Dream, and the atmosphere in Georgia ahead of the vote. Read more: Who's who in Georgia's parliamentary elections? Ranking Georgia's political parties by gender balance in the 2024 elections Opinion | Georgia's new electronic voting system comes with risks Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

The residents of Shukruti, a village in Georgia's western Chiatura region, have been protesting mining under their village carried out by Georgian Manganese for years. In September, they relocated their protest to Georgia's Parliament in Tbilisi, demanding that the government intervene in their dispute with the mining company. Those protesting around the clock in front of parliament are constantly exposed to the elements as the weather grows colder, with at least six of them on hunger strike. This week, we spoke with OC Media's co-director and journalist Mariam Nikuradze about the conditions of the protesters and how the authorities have been treating them in Tbilisi, and to the Social Justice Center's Salome Shubladze about their demands and the ongoing legal dispute between the protesters and Georgian Manganese. Read more: Dying on the steps of parliament — Georgia's Shukrutians make last bid for their homes Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

The high-profile murder of Kesaria Abramidze, a prominent Georgian trans model and media personality, has sent shockwaves through Georgia's queer community, with many accusing the government of enabling her murder through their transphobic and homophobic rhetoric and their 'LGBT propaganda' law. Abramidze's suspected murder, her former partner, was charged with committing a hate crime based on gender, and not one based on Abramidze's gender identity. This week, we spoke to activist Monika Tigishvili about Abramidze's murder and being trans in Georgia, and to the Rule of Law Centre's hate crime researcher Nati Gelovani and Parntership for Human Rights criminal lawyer Tamara Zarkua about how Georgia's legal system handles transphobic hate crimes. Read more: Georgian President attends funeral of murdered trans woman Kesaria Abramidze Heartbreak in Georgia after murder of prominent trans woman Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

It has been a year since Nagorno-Karabakh's surrender and dissolution following an Azerbaijani assault on the region. The assault pushed the vast majority of the region's population to flee their homes and to seek refuge in Armenia, where they were met with bureaucratic hurdles and insufficient support from the Armenian government. This week, we spoke with Tigran Grigoryan, a political analyst and the head of the Regional Center for Democracy and Security, about Armenia's handling of the influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, and to journalist Marut Vanyan about the challenges the refugees have been facing since their arrival to Armenia. Read more: The last bus out of Nagorno-Karabakh Hear more about Nagorno-Karabakh's surrender: Podcast | The Nagorno-Karabakh Exodus Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation named after its core members, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, appears to be making inroads in the South Caucasus, with Azerbaijan applying for its membership, and Armenia accepting an invitation to participate in a BRICS summit in Russia, despite its deteriorating relations with Moscow. This week, we speak to Azerbaijani independent researcher Shujaat Ahmadzada about Azerbaijan's prospects for joining the organisation, and to Narek Sukiasyan, an Adjunct Lecturer at the American University of Armenia and a Researcher at the Center for Culture and Civilization Studies, about Armenia's efforts to diversify its foreign policy. Read more: Azerbaijan applies for BRICS membership Armenia to participate in BRICS and CIS summits Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

Bahruz Samadov, a political analyst, OC Media contributor, and outspoken advocate for peace with Armenia has been arrested in Azerbaijan and charged with treason. His arrest was preceded by the arrest of another researcher, Iqbal Abilov, on the same charges, leading many to fear that Azerbaijan has begun targeting researchers and peace activists. This week, we spoke with journalist Arzu Geybulla about the significance of Samadov's arrest and the charges pressed against him, and to Sossi Tatikyan a foreign policy and security analyst about how his arrest could impact independent peacebuilding between Armenia and Azerabaijan, and how the charges against Samadov were based on his communications with Armenian peers alleged by Azerbaijan, without evidence, to be members of the Armenian secret services. Read more: Amnesty International calls on Azerbaijan to release Bahruz Samadov and other government critics Talysh researcher arrested for 'treason' in Azerbaijan Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

The siege of Beslan has left a scar on both North Ossetia and Russia. Twenty years on, many in North Ossetia still await the results of an investigation into the Russian authorities' handling of the crisis, which they believe might have contributed to the deaths of over 300 people — among them 186 children. This week, we spoke with Zalina Bogazova, a survivor of Beslan, about how those events have continued to shape the lives of her and hundreds of others, and with Ossetian political journalist Rooslán Totrov about Russia's handling of the attack and how Russia's war against Ukraine has changed how Beslan is remembered. Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

On 12 July, employees of Evolution Georgia, an online gambling platform, began a strike demanding better working conditions and pay and an end to abusive behaviour by the company's management. Evolution Georgia, which positions itself as a leading employer of students, is a subsidiary of a company headquartered in Sweden. This week, we spoke to Giorgi Kajaia, an Evolution Georgia employee on strike, about why he chose to go on strike and the employees' demands, and to the Social Justice Center's Salome Shubladze about the legal aspects of the strike, and the Evolution Georgia's obligations towards the striking employees. Read more: Striking employees stage sit-in outside Evolution Georgia offices Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

June's deadly and coordinated attacks on synagogues, churches, and police posts in Daghestan's Makhachkala and Derbent have led to the deaths of 22 people, as well as five attackers. The authorities in the Russian republic and in Moscow have since scrambled to find someone or something to blame, including Ukraine, niqab, and MMA. This week, we speak to North Caucasus analyst and PhD student at Indiana university, Harold Chambers, about the Daghestan attacks and those that preceded them in neighbouring North Caucasian republics, and to Zemfira Gogui, a human rights consultant from Karachay-Cherkessia, about about people's relation with the Federal Russian Government and what could be driving people towards radicalism in the region. Read more: Niqab and MMA under fire in North Caucasus following Daghestan terror attack Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

Azerbaijan appears to be trying to position itself as a champion of the anti-colonial movement by criticising France's colonial past and supporting independence movements in its overseas territories. This week, we speak to political analyst and PhD candidate at Charles University in Prague Bahruz Samadov about the Baku Initiative Group, a group linked to the Azerbaijani government, and its anti-colonial conference, and how Azerbaijan appears to be appropriating anti-colonial movements for their own geopolitical and authoritarian ends. Read more: Baku-linked group hosts conference on European colonialism at UN HQ Opinion | How Azerbaijan uses 'anti-colonialism' to authoritarian ends Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has introduced a legislative package that would ban 'LGBT propaganda', potentially setting back decades of progress on queer rights in the country. This week, we speak to OC Media staff writer Shota Kincha about the contents of the law, to Tbilisi Pride's director Tamar Jakeli about the future of the queer rights movement in light of the law, and to filmmaker Eka Tsotsoria about how the law could censor the arts. Read more: Georgian Dream to introduce queerphobic legislation Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

Azerbaijan, a country whose economy depends heavily on fossil fuels, is set to host the United Nations' annual climate change conference, COP29, in November this year, amidst rampant human rights abuses and terrible environmental practices. This week, we speak to journalist Arzu Geybulla talks about human rights abuses in Azerbaijan and her expectations for COP29, while environmental activist Javid Gara talks environmental activism in the country and what Baku's plans to phase down its reliance on fossil fuels. Read more: Controversy as COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

OC Media's Robin Fabbro, Mariam Nikuradze, and Shota Kincha sit down to discuss whether Georgia's democracy could survive with the passing of the draconic foreign agent law, and October's critical parliamentary elections. Read more: Georgia's parliament passes controversial electoral code amendments Support independent journalism in the Caucasus and become an OC Media Member: Join today. …or donate to the collective Georgian media security fund.

Tavush for the Motherland, a movement fronted by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, has made headlines protesting in Armenia's north and in the capital Yerevan against the delimitation process with Azerbaijan. This week, we speak to OC Media's Armenian staff writer Arshaluys Barseghyan about how the protest movement shifted from protesting border delimitation to calling for the government's resignation, and to analyst Narek Sukiasyan about the border delimitation process and the popular discontent towards it. Read more: Police block entry to Armenian village amidst protests against border delimitation Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

The foreign agent law has passed its third and final reading in the Georgian parliament despite mass protests against the law throughout the country. This week, OC Media's Robin Fabbro, Mariam Nikuradze, and Shota Kincha talk about President Salome Zourabichvili's expected veto of the law, the possibility of Western sanctions against members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and the future of the protest movement against the law. Read more: Georgian parliament adopts foreign agent law Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us

Georgians have once again come out to protest the foreign agents bill after the ruling Georgian Dream party reintroduced the draft law a year after aborting it. This week, we spoke with OC Media's Mariam Nikuradze and Shota Kincha about the daily mass protests against the bill, the government's reactions, and how the coming weeks might unfold. Read more: Georgian foreign agent bill passes first reading in parliament amidst massive protests Georgian Dream eliminates taxes on offshore assets brought to Georgia Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Chechnya's Culture Ministry said earlier this month that the Russian republic would issue restrictions on music slower than 80 bpm and faster than 116 bpm. At the time, the ministry stated that the Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov had instructed them to introduce the restrictions, however, last week, Kadyrov said that the restrictions were meant to be 'recommendations' for performers and composers of folk music in Chechnya. This week, OC Media's Luiza Mchedlishvili talks about Chechnya's repression of musicians and culture, and musicologist Ben Wheeler breaks down the apparent contradictions of the new restrictions. Read more: Chechnya bans 'fast and slow' music Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has reintroduced its controversial foreign agents law, a bill that the party was forced to abort after two nights of mass protests in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. The ruling party's reintroduction of the bill was met with wide condemnation both domestically and internationally due to its similarity to legislation that was used to crush civil society and media in Russia. This week, OC Media's Robin Fabbro, Mariam Nikuradze, and Shota Kincha talk about why Georgian Dream brought the law back and the potential response to the law in Georgia. Read more: Why is Georgian Dream reviving the foreign agent law? Georgia's foreign agents bill faces international condemnation Georgian Government to bring back aborted foreign agent law Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Last week, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg toured the South Caucasus to visit the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. This week, we speak to political analyst and head of the Regional Center for Democracy Tigran Grigoryan about the significance of a new partnership agreement between Armenia and NATO, to independent researcher Shujaat Ahmadzada about the importance of Azerbaijani gas after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and to Giorgi Shaishmelashvili about the latest developments surrounding Georgia's protracted bid for NATO membership. Read more: NATO and Armenia to finalise new agreement as Stoltenberg tours South Caucasus Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

In early March, Azerbaijani police raided the offices of Toplum TV and arrested several of their journalists on charges of smuggling. The targeting of the independent outlet was the latest in Azerbaijan's ongoing crackdown on media in the country. This week, we speak to Toplum TV journalist Alya Aghayeva about Azerbaijan's crackdown on their outlet, and to Leyla Mustafayeva, who became the interim editor-in-chief of AbzasMedia in exile. AbzasMedia was the first outlet to be targeted by the authorities in November. Read more: Azerbaijan charges journalists and activists following Toplum TV raid Editorial | Ilham Aliyev's attempt to eradicate the free press cannot succeed Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

In recent weeks, senior Armenian officials have expressed an intent and interest in the country growing closer to Europe, and perhaps even joining the European Union, particularly in light of recent security concerns and a move away from Moscow. In this week's episode, we speak to MEP Viola von Cramon about Armenia's EU prospects, and to Babken DerGrigorian, a former official in the post-revolutionary government about Armenia's ties with Rusia and its readiness to potentially apply for EU membership. Read more: Armenia's parliamentary speaker: Armenia should seek EU candidacy Pashinyan: Armenia has 'frozen' its participation in the CSTO Opinion | The EU should step up its support for Armenia Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Georgia's minimum wage has been stuck at $8 a month since 1999, but in recent years, unions and civil society organisations have called on the government to raise the country's minimum wage to match standards of decent living in Georgia. This week in the Caucasus Digest, we speak to Jeff Vize from Human Rights Watch about the background of the current minimum wage, and Raisa Liparteliani from the Georgian Trade Union Confederation, about a new draft law that could potentially institute a liveable minimum wage. Read more: Opinion | Georgia's minimum wage is stuck in the 90s Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Last week, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned that Azerbaijan might be preparing to launch a full-scale war. His warning came amidst peace negotiations between the two countries that have been ongoing since the end of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020. This week, we speak to Crisis Group's Olesya Vartanyan, to independent researcher Shujaat Ahmadzada, and to writer and Carnegie Senior Fellow Thomas de Waal about the likelihood of a war breaking out between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the current status of the peace talks. Read more: Pashinyan warns Azerbaijan seeks 'full-scale war' Russian border guards obstructed EU mission in Armenia Pashinyan and Aliyev meet at Munich Security Conference Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Last week, a bill on domestic violence passed its first hearing in Armenia's parliament. The changes would classify virginity tests, a controversial practice meant to determine whether a person's hymen is intact, as a form of domestic violence. This week, we speak to Ani Jilosian of the Women's Support Centre about what these amendments could mean and to Tereza Panchoyan, or Girlunmuted an Instagram blogger, about attitudes towards sex in Armenia and the importance of better sex education. Read more: Talking about sex: an unspoken topic in Armenia Imprisoned in their own homes: the Armenian women escaping psychological abuse Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

President Ilham Aliyev has prolonged his decades-long rule of Azerbaijan, securing a fifth term after winning the presidential elections this week — elections that were marred by the absence of any real opposition and blatant electoral fraud. On this week's episode of the Caucasus Digest, we speak to Meydan TV editor Orkhan Mammad about the role of media in covering the elections, to political analyst and PhD candidate Bahruz Samadov about the mainstream opposition's boycott of the vote, and to Javid Agha, a journalist and social media researcher, about his previous experience observing Azerbaijani elections. Read more: Aliyev receives 92% in snap presidential election Editorial | Ilham Aliyev's attempt to eradicate the free press cannot succeed Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

The eviction of the Khatiashvili family from their home in Tbilisi last week has led to outrage in Georgia and accusations that the government is taking an 'inhumane' approach towards debt and housing.  This week, we hear from Marina Khatiashvili, who was evicted alongside her family, and we speak to OC Media journalist and co-director Mariam Nikuradze about the protests surrounding the eviction, and to the Social Justice Centre's Salome Shubladze about predatory lending and the government's handling of the situation. Read more: Second family saved from eviction in Tbilisi as protests continue Police clash with protesters attempting to block Tbilisi eviction Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

After over a decade of controversy over environmental, labour, and economic concerns, the Armenian government has finally greenlit the operation of the Amulsar gold mine in Jermuk. Since the project's announcement, local communities in and around Jermuk have expressed concern about the mine's potential impact on their lives and livelihoods, while environmental activists have warned about the catastrophic environmental effects the mines could have on the region. This week, we spoke to Knar Khudoyan, a journalist who has been closely following the protests surrounding the mine, to Anna Shahnazaryan, an environmental activist who has been campaigning against the mine, and to Hovhannes Avetisyan, an economist and public policy analyst, about the viability of the project. Read more: Armenia greenlights controversial Amulsar gold mine Anti-mining activists put New Armenia's 'people power' to the test Rural communities in Armenia give mining companies the boot Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Georgia may finally have secured EU candidate status, but some in Georgia still question just how committed the ruling Georgian Dream party is to taking the country's EU integration to the next stage. This week, we spoke to OC Media journalist and co-director Mariam Nikuradze about Georgian Dream's apparent change of heart towards the EU and to the Social Justice Centre's director of the democracy and justice programme, Guram Imnadze, about the remaining reforms Georgia must undertake in its path to becoming a member of the bloc. Read more: EU grants Georgia candidate status Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Georgia's defence code is stamping out loopholes that young Georgians use to get out of military service, as rights activists in the country warn that new amendments to the code could lead to discrimination against religious minorities. This week, we spoke to a Georgian student about why he chose to evade conscription, to Ioseb Edisherashvili from the Georgian Young Lawyers Association about the controversy surrounding the defence code, and to Giorgi Shaishmelashvili,  the Head of Research at Civic IDEA, about what the code was intended to achieve, and what it has done instead. Read more: Georgia closes loopholes to defer military service Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Last week, Azerbaijani authorities raided the offices of AbzasMedia, an independent news outlet covering corruption in the country. They arrested four of its employees, including its director, Ulvi Hasanli, and editor-in-chief, Sevinj Vagifgizi, on charges of smuggling foreign currency into the country. They denied the charges and accused the government of falsifying evidence against them by planting €40,000 ($44,000) in their offices to disrupt their work. This week, the police also arrested Aziz Orujov, the founder of Kanal 13, an independent online TV, for allegedly illegally constructing a house. These arrests have led many in Azerbaijan to fear that a wave of repression is beginning, similar to other such periods of pressure against journalists, activists, and politicians in Azerbaijan. This week, Islam Shikhali talks about working as a journalist in Azerbaijan in light of the crackdown on AbzasMedia, Anar Mammadli, the head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center, talks about his own arrest in a previous crackdown on civil society almost a decade ago, and Bahruz Samadov, a PhD candidate at Charles University, talks about how Azerbaijan's relationship with the West influenced its authoritarian crackdown on AbzasMedia. Read more: Editorial | Ilham Aliyev's attempt to eradicate the free press cannot succeed Azerbaijan detains fourth AbzasMedia employee in ongoing crackdown Azerbaijan arrests founder of Kanal 13 a week after AbzasMedia raid Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

The recent suicide of a queer Armenian teenager shook many in Armenia, with activists accusing the authorities of lacking the sensitivity or willingness to help queer victims of abuse or bullying. In the absence of any legislation to protect them, queer people in Armenia are frequently subjected to discrimination and violence in Armenia, including in their own homes. This week on the Caucasus Digest, a queer Armenian student talks about the challenges of being queer in Armenia, Mamikon Hovsepyan of Pink Armenia discusses the role of queer rights activism and organisation in the country, and Freedom House's Andranik Shirinyan about what the authorities should do to protect queer Armenians. Read more: Teenager takes own life in Armenia after being outed online What killed Tigran and Arsen? 'You learn to hide your identity': being queer in the Armenian army Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

Georgia generates a staggering 85% of its electricity through hydropower plants; however, while further exploitation of Georgia's hydropower potential sounds promising on paper, local activists and researchers say that a lack of feasibility and safety research before the construction of hydropower plants could pose significant risks. This week on the Caucasus Digest, Hannah O'Sullivan, an energy researcher, talks about the present and future role of hydropower in Georgia. Salome Shubladze of the Social Justice Centre explains the implications of the plants' construction for people's rights, and Kakha Asatiani of the Saving Rioni Valley movement provides an insight into the campaigns opposing the HPPs. Read more: Georgia's 'zombie' hydropower projects Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War has had a lasting impact on the South Caucasus, leading to a massive geopolitical shift. Azerbaijan emerged victorious, taking control of large swathes of territory in 2020, and eventually what remained of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. Nagorno-Karabakh's Armenian population was forced to flee the region into Armenia, which since the war, has been forced to reassess its traditional alliance with Russia and to turn West for assistance. This episode, we spoke to Marut Vanyan, a journalist from Nagorno-Karabakh, about the exodus of the region's Armenian population and the challenges they face in Armenia. We also spoke to Civilnet's editor-in-chief, Karen Harutyunyan, about how Armenia changed since the war and its partnership with Russia, to Bahruz Samadov, a PhD candidate at Charles University in Prague, about how the conflict has helped further legitimise President Ilham Aliyev's rule. Read more: Opinion | Fourteen years on Rustaveli Avenue — documenting Georgia's descent into authoritarianism Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.

The EU Commission is expected to deliver its recommendation on whether or not the European Union should now grant Georgia candidate status on 8 November. The decision to grant Georgia candidate status hinges on 12 priorities set out by the EU for the country to fulfil before its status could be reconsidered. While the Georgian Dream-led government insists that it has made real progress on those 12 priorities, many in Georgia remain sceptical about their commitment to the country's EU aspirations. This week on the Caucasus Digest, Mariam Nikuradze, OC Media's journalist and co-director, Kakha Gogolashvili from the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, and Politiko's Gabriel Gavin about what to expect on 8 November. Read more: Opinion | Fourteen years on Rustaveli Avenue — documenting Georgia's descent into authoritarianism EU praises 'dangerous' amendments to Georgia's broadcasting law Georgian Dream rushes through controversial amendments outlawing 'obscenity' Georgian Dream fails to impeach President Zurabishvili Become a supporter at oc-media.org/support_us, or on Patreon.