North Caucasus
Russia labels Memorial ‘extremist organisation’
Memorial has for many years reported on human rights violations in the North Caucasus.
News Stories
Today, 10 April 2026
Today, 10 April 2026
Georgia
Tbilisi’s Soviet massacre anniversary marked by protest, incidents, and criminal investigation
Several incidents were reported throughout the day.
Chechnya
Suspects in Aishat Baimuradova murder placed on wanted list in Russia
Search notices appeared on the Interior Ministry website six months after Armenia’s request.
Armenian Apostolic Church
Armenian Church condemns ruling party programme envisioning removal of Catholicos Karekin II
The crisis between the Armenian Church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government has been ongoing since May 2025.
Daily Brief
Friday, 10 April 2026
Regional * The Trump Route ‘remains a top priority’ for the US and the administration of President Donald Trump ‘remains committed to making TRIPP a reality’, a State Department spokesperson told the state-run media outlet Armenpress. * Suspects in the murder of Aishat Baimuradova, a woman killed in Yerevan after fleeing her family in Chechnya, have been placed on the wanted list in Russia. Both are wanted under a criminal article, although its number is not specified in the records. At the s
Yesterday, 09 April 2026
Chechnya
AfD moves to expel Chechen-born member Noah Krieger
The decision follows reports about Noah Krieger’s links to Chechnya and a recent controversial visit to the region.
Armenia–Russia Relations
Pashinyan says Armenia–Russia relations undergo ‘constructive transformation’
Relations between Russia and Armenia are currently undergoing another round of escalating tensions.
Georgia
Three minors receive multi-year prison sentences over murder of Tbilisi tutor
The case of the fatal beating of 28-year-old tutor Giga Avaliani in October 2025 attracted significant attention in Georgia.
Chechnya
Kadryov rejects rumours Chechen units could fight for Iran
Chechen Head Ramzan Kadyrov specifically criticised Iranian strikes on infrastructure in Gulf states.
Kabarda–Balkaria
Two Kabarda–Balkaria residents fined over rally commemorating Soviet-era deportations
The court found Alina Taimakulova and Asiyat Kaigermazova to be guilty of organising an unauthorised public event.
Daily Brief
Thursday, 9 April 2026
Regional * Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev will meet with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan today in Yerevan. The delegation, which includes Transportation Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev, previously held talks in Baku, including with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Armenia * Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has suggested that any Armenian official threatening to leave the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Collective Security Treaty Organ
Wednesday, 08 April 2026
Daghestan
Heavy rains in Azerbaijan and Daghestan continue to wreak havoc
The region has been beset by historic heavy rains and associated flooding for weeks.
Anaklia Port
Georgian opposition party Lelo proposes naming Anaklia Port after Donald Trump
The party said the port should become a ‘gateway of [the] Trump Route to the Western world’.
Georgia
Over 40 arrested in Georgia in latest mafia crackdown
Those arrested were allegedly in contact with notorious mob boss Mamuka Shubitidze, also known as Mamuka Kakhetinsky or Davit Baratashvili.
Armenia
Major Armenian opposition alliance forced to drop Karapetyan’s name after legislative changes
The Strong Armenia with Samvel Karapetyan can no longer use the name of the Russian–Armenian tycoon.
Georgia
Tbilisi greenlights eviction of several residents for Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre construction
The order was issued by Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili.
Armenia–Azerbaijan Relations
Could Vance’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan herald further American weapons deals?
While the US’s role in the South Caucasus is expanding, significant political and economic factors argue against a full partnership reset.
Georgia–US Relations
US denies Georgian Dream claims of expected State Department visit
The mixed messages come as the current state of Georgia’s relations with the US remain murky.
Karachay–Cherkessia
Cherkessk resident charged with extremism over ‘anti-Russian statements’
He is accused of calls for terrorism and incitement of hatred.
Daily Brief
Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Regional * Five property owners in Tbilisi’s old town will have their properties expropriated for the construction of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. According to the 3 April order signed by Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili, the center constitutes a project of ‘pressing social needs’, noting that since no agreement could be reached with the property owners, the expropriation of their properties will be ‘required’. Armenia * Armenia's Parliament has adopted amendments to the electora
Tuesday, 07 April 2026
Chechnya
Ramzan Kadyrov awarded ‘for contribution to the development of science’
The merits for which he received the award remain unclear.
Georgia
Georgia hides asset declarations of Security Service chief Mdinaradze
Declarations of SSG chiefs are traditionally available for public inspection.
Armenia
Armenian Defence Committee chair says son avoided military service because he is ‘high-class’
He has apologised for his statement after facing criticism.
Georgia
Georgia’s opposition attempts a political reset with new alliance
Georgia’s opposition are seemingly attempting something broader than simply defeating the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Economy
IMF sees continued economic growth for Georgia in 2026 barring Iran war escalation
The IMF concluded that Georgia’s economic performance will remain at 5% 2026.
Azerbaijan–Georgia Relations
Aliyev meets Ivanishvili before leaving Georgia
He had earlier met with President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
Chechnya
Grozny court recognises the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria as a terrorist organisation
The organisation’s activities are now banned on the territory of Russia.
Daily Brief
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
Regional * Before concluding his state visit to Georgia, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party. During the one-day visit, he had earlier met with President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Armenia * Andranik Kocharyan, a Civil Contract MP and the chair of Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Security, stated during a press briefing on Monday that his son, Levon, did not complete mandatory m
Reviews
Review | Jocasta: Raw Material — a feminist comparison of two civil wars
Mariam Megvinyte’s latest play contrasts Thebes’ fall in the Oedipus cycle with the Georgian Civil War, all via a feminist perspective.
Monday, 06 April 2026
Armenia–Russia Relations
Yerevan threatens to leave Russia-led blocs in latest diplomatic row with Moscow
Yerevan has threatened to leave Moscow-led economic and security blocs in response to economic pressures if they occur.
