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Open Caucasus Media — the Caucasus with depth. News, commentary, and multimedia from the North and South Caucasus.
Azerbaijani authorities have detained the former head of the Coast Guard Department, Zaur Gulmammadov, in connection with the smuggling of ₼5.4 million ($3.2 million) worth of tobacco.
Azerbaijan detains former customs chief in tobacco smuggling case
Those detained are accused of smuggling over $3 million in tobacco.
oc-media.org
January 7, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Azerbaijani authorities have detained the former head of the Coast Guard Department, Zaur Gulmammadov, in connection with the smuggling of ₼5.4 million ($3.2 million) worth of tobacco.
Zurab Menteshashvili, the first Georgian protester to be criminally charged with blocking a road during a protest, has been on hunger strike in detention for over 60 days. If found guilty, he could face up to a year in prison.
First Georgian protester criminally charged with ‘blocking road’ on hunger strike for over two months
Zurab Menteshashvili, 61, was detained in late October.
oc-media.org
January 7, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Zurab Menteshashvili, the first Georgian protester to be criminally charged with blocking a road during a protest, has been on hunger strike in detention for over 60 days. If found guilty, he could face up to a year in prison.
The body of Chechnya-born Larisa Arsanukaeva, who was murdered by her ex-husband in the French city of Nice, was sent back to Chechnya more than two months after her death.
Body of Chechen woman killed by ex-husband in France sent home two months after her death
Larisa Arsanukaeva’s body was reportedly held in France for an extended period due to the lack of consent from her ex-husband’s family.
oc-media.org
January 7, 2026 at 12:35 PM
The body of Chechnya-born Larisa Arsanukaeva, who was murdered by her ex-husband in the French city of Nice, was sent back to Chechnya more than two months after her death.
Armenian skier Mikael Mikaelyan was fined for covering the word Azerbaijan on his ski suit while competing in Italy’s Tour de Ski in late December. Armenia’s Ski Federation has defended Mikaelyan and offered to cover his fine.
🔗 Read more: oc-media.org/armenian-ski...
🔗 Read more: oc-media.org/armenian-ski...
January 7, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Armenian skier Mikael Mikaelyan was fined for covering the word Azerbaijan on his ski suit while competing in Italy’s Tour de Ski in late December. Armenia’s Ski Federation has defended Mikaelyan and offered to cover his fine.
🔗 Read more: oc-media.org/armenian-ski...
🔗 Read more: oc-media.org/armenian-ski...
🎭 OC Reviews: Nothing Political examines life inside Georgia’s protest movement through documentary footage and live performance.
Review | Nothing Political — theatre in resistance and the anxiety of what remains
Nothing Political examines life inside Georgia’s protest movement through documentary footage and live performance.
oc-media.org
January 6, 2026 at 2:46 PM
🎭 OC Reviews: Nothing Political examines life inside Georgia’s protest movement through documentary footage and live performance.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said that his country does not intend to send peacekeeping forces to Gaza. The announcement follows earlier reports suggesting that Azerbaijan was being eyed for handling a ‘stabilisation force’.
Aliyev says Azerbaijan will not send troops for Gaza peacekeeping force
President Ilham Aliyev said that ‘the Arab countries must resolve the problems of the Arab countries’.
oc-media.org
January 6, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said that his country does not intend to send peacekeeping forces to Gaza. The announcement follows earlier reports suggesting that Azerbaijan was being eyed for handling a ‘stabilisation force’.
Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov has appointed his 20-year-old son Akhmat Kadyrov as acting deputy chair of the republic’s government while he retains the position of minister of physical culture and sport.
Ramzan Kadyrov’s eldest son appointed acting vice-premier of Chechnya
At the same time, 20-year-old Akhmat Kadyrov has retained his post as minister of sport.
oc-media.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov has appointed his 20-year-old son Akhmat Kadyrov as acting deputy chair of the republic’s government while he retains the position of minister of physical culture and sport.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has led a march against Catholicos Karekin II in Yerevan, during which he claimed that the catholicos and his close circle employed ‘sectarian logic’.
🔗 Read more: oc-media.org/pashinyan-vo...
🔗 Read more: oc-media.org/pashinyan-vo...
January 6, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has led a march against Catholicos Karekin II in Yerevan, during which he claimed that the catholicos and his close circle employed ‘sectarian logic’.
🔗 Read more: oc-media.org/pashinyan-vo...
🔗 Read more: oc-media.org/pashinyan-vo...
A bipartisan delegation of US politicians, led by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, has met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other key advisors in Baku.
US delegation, led by Senator Mullin, meets with Aliyev in Baku
Senator Markwayne Mullin has repeatedly blocked efforts to bring the MEGOBARI Act to a vote in the Senate.
oc-media.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:12 PM
A bipartisan delegation of US politicians, led by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, has met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other key advisors in Baku.
Imprisoned Azerbaijani activist Ashurov has ended an 8-day hunger strike after authorities agreed to stop physically assaulting him. He was reportedly targeted by prison for helping establish the Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners.
Imprisoned Azerbaijani activist ends 8-day hunger strike after prison meets demands
Following the death of imprisoned activist Elbayi Karimli, several prisoners formed a committee to defend prisoners at Correctional Facility N2.
oc-media.org
January 5, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Imprisoned Azerbaijani activist Ashurov has ended an 8-day hunger strike after authorities agreed to stop physically assaulting him. He was reportedly targeted by prison for helping establish the Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners.
As the North Caucasus continues to face Ukrainian drone attacks, the authorities in Ingushetia have announced plans to produce drones in the republic.
The announcement was made by Ingushetia’s Industry Minister in an interview with Russian state-run news agency TASS.
oc-media.org/ingushetia-t...
The announcement was made by Ingushetia’s Industry Minister in an interview with Russian state-run news agency TASS.
oc-media.org/ingushetia-t...
Ingushetia to begin producing drones
The republic is set to open its first scientific and production centre for unmanned aerial systems at the Serdalo technopark.
oc-media.org
January 5, 2026 at 1:29 PM
As the North Caucasus continues to face Ukrainian drone attacks, the authorities in Ingushetia have announced plans to produce drones in the republic.
The announcement was made by Ingushetia’s Industry Minister in an interview with Russian state-run news agency TASS.
oc-media.org/ingushetia-t...
The announcement was made by Ingushetia’s Industry Minister in an interview with Russian state-run news agency TASS.
oc-media.org/ingushetia-t...
The Georgian Orthodox Church has claimed that it repeatedly and unsuccessfully petitioned the authorities to pardon some anti-government protesters and media founder Mzia Amaghlobeli.
Georgian Church claims it repeatedly sought pardon for detained protesters and Mzia Amaghlobeli
According to a Patriarchate representative, the issue was also raised directly with the prime minister.
oc-media.org
January 5, 2026 at 1:28 PM
The Georgian Orthodox Church has claimed that it repeatedly and unsuccessfully petitioned the authorities to pardon some anti-government protesters and media founder Mzia Amaghlobeli.
Chechen officials have denied reports suggesting that Ramzan Kadyrov was hospitalised in critical condition following his absence from the State Council meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin in late December.
oc-media.org/chechnya-den...
oc-media.org/chechnya-den...
Chechnya denies Kadyrov’s hospitalisation after absence from State Council meeting
Officials and Kadyrov himself publish videos showing his presence at events.
oc-media.org
January 5, 2026 at 11:16 AM
Chechen officials have denied reports suggesting that Ramzan Kadyrov was hospitalised in critical condition following his absence from the State Council meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin in late December.
oc-media.org/chechnya-den...
oc-media.org/chechnya-den...
As Armenia celebrated the holidays, PM Nikol Pashinyan has published a statement envisioning a ‘reform’ of the Armenian Apostolic Church, renewing calls for the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II. In turn, the Church responded that reforms should not be entrusted to a ‘self-declared council’.
Pashinyan launches ‘reform’ of Armenian Church, renews call for Karekin II’s resignation
Pashinyan, together with a group of High-ranking clergy members formed a council for the reforms of the Armenian church.
oc-media.org
January 5, 2026 at 11:14 AM
As Armenia celebrated the holidays, PM Nikol Pashinyan has published a statement envisioning a ‘reform’ of the Armenian Apostolic Church, renewing calls for the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II. In turn, the Church responded that reforms should not be entrusted to a ‘self-declared council’.
On 9 Dec, a trial began in Baku against Ganimat Zahid, editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Azadliq and YouTube channel Azerbaycan Saati. Living in France, he’s the latest exile targeted. Since mid-2023, at least 24 critics abroad have faced criminal cases.
oc-media.org/azerbaijans-...
oc-media.org/azerbaijans-...
Azerbaijan’s attempts to project power abroad places critics under psychological and legal pressure
Since late November, the Azerbaijani authorities have targeted at least seven Azerbaijani activists and media representatives based abroad.
oc-media.org
January 5, 2026 at 11:02 AM
On 9 Dec, a trial began in Baku against Ganimat Zahid, editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Azadliq and YouTube channel Azerbaycan Saati. Living in France, he’s the latest exile targeted. Since mid-2023, at least 24 critics abroad have faced criminal cases.
oc-media.org/azerbaijans-...
oc-media.org/azerbaijans-...
Georgia’s Foreign Ministry has expressed hopes that Venezuela would revoke its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following the US’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Georgia calls on Venezuela to revoke recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following Maduro’s removal
Venezuela recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in 2009.
oc-media.org
January 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Georgia’s Foreign Ministry has expressed hopes that Venezuela would revoke its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following the US’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Tbilisi City Court has sentenced nine people, including six minors, to years-long imprisonment, finding them guilty of brutally assaulting a 15 year-old boy. According to the investigation, the detainees belonged to a ‘fascist’ group.
Georgian court sentences members of ‘fascist’ group for brutal assault of 15-year-old boy
Most of the 10 people sentenced were minors.
oc-media.org
January 1, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Tbilisi City Court has sentenced nine people, including six minors, to years-long imprisonment, finding them guilty of brutally assaulting a 15 year-old boy. According to the investigation, the detainees belonged to a ‘fascist’ group.
Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov has missed a pre-New Year meeting of the State Council of Russia chaired by President Vladimir Putin, with media reports suggesting he was hospitalised the night before the meeting.
Kadyrov misses meeting chaired by Putin due to ‘emergency hospitalisation’
According to journalists, Chechen Head was urgently hospitalised ahead of the event attended by Vladimir Putin.
oc-media.org
January 1, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov has missed a pre-New Year meeting of the State Council of Russia chaired by President Vladimir Putin, with media reports suggesting he was hospitalised the night before the meeting.
Tamar Mearakishvili, an ethnic Georgian activist and journalist who was recently detained in South Ossetia on 'espionage' charges, has been released back into Georgian-controlled territory.
Vocal critic detained in South Ossetia released to Georgian-controlled territory
A vocal critic of local authorities, Mearakishvili was detained on ‘espinoge’ charges in December.
oc-media.org
December 31, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Tamar Mearakishvili, an ethnic Georgian activist and journalist who was recently detained in South Ossetia on 'espionage' charges, has been released back into Georgian-controlled territory.
This year, OC Media tried something new with the launching of a culture and review section. Now we bring you a round-up of what we thought were the top 10 films released this year as reviewed by OC Media.
➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/caucasus-cin...
➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/caucasus-cin...
December 31, 2025 at 1:38 PM
This year, OC Media tried something new with the launching of a culture and review section. Now we bring you a round-up of what we thought were the top 10 films released this year as reviewed by OC Media.
➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/caucasus-cin...
➡️ Read more: oc-media.org/caucasus-cin...
Russian–Armenian tycoon Samvel Karapetyan released on bail and placed under house arrest after spending more than six months in pre-trial detention. He was charged in June 2025 with making calls to usurp power.
Russian–Armenian tycoon Karapetyan placed under house arrest following six month pre-trial detention
Samvel Karapetyan has been detained since 18 June on charges of calling for usurpation of power.
oc-media.org
December 31, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Russian–Armenian tycoon Samvel Karapetyan released on bail and placed under house arrest after spending more than six months in pre-trial detention. He was charged in June 2025 with making calls to usurp power.
Armenia and Turkey will ‘simplify’ the visa procedure for diplomatic, special, and service passport holders as of 1 January 2026.
Armenia and Turkey ‘simplify’ visa procedure for diplomats and other officials
More steps for the normalisation of bilateral relations are expected to take place ‘very soon’.
oc-media.org
December 30, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Armenia and Turkey will ‘simplify’ the visa procedure for diplomatic, special, and service passport holders as of 1 January 2026.
Over 100 people have reportedly been detained as part of a police raid on a queer-friendly club in central Baku. Those detained have claimed to have been subjected to physical violence, harassment, and degrading treatment by the police.
🔗 oc-media.org/police-raid-...
Video: Qıy Vaar
🔗 oc-media.org/police-raid-...
Video: Qıy Vaar
December 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Over 100 people have reportedly been detained as part of a police raid on a queer-friendly club in central Baku. Those detained have claimed to have been subjected to physical violence, harassment, and degrading treatment by the police.
🔗 oc-media.org/police-raid-...
Video: Qıy Vaar
🔗 oc-media.org/police-raid-...
Video: Qıy Vaar
The premiere of Othello at the North Ossetian State Academic Theatre named after Tkhapsaev in Vladikavkaz has led to large-scale public conflict and statements by the authorities about the need to strengthen control over the theatrical repertoire.
North Ossetian theatres to be censored after Othello production
A modern production by the Ossetian Theatre of the classic Shakespeare play has led to controversy.
oc-media.org
December 29, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The premiere of Othello at the North Ossetian State Academic Theatre named after Tkhapsaev in Vladikavkaz has led to large-scale public conflict and statements by the authorities about the need to strengthen control over the theatrical repertoire.
Over 100 people have reportedly been detained as part of a police raid on a queer-friendly club in central Baku. Those detained have claimed to have been subjected to physical violence, harassment, and degrading treatment by the police.
Police raid queer club in Baku, reportedly detain 100
Those detained have claimed to have been subjected to physical violence and harassment by the police.
oc-media.org
December 29, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Over 100 people have reportedly been detained as part of a police raid on a queer-friendly club in central Baku. Those detained have claimed to have been subjected to physical violence, harassment, and degrading treatment by the police.