Belarus: Weekend of unfree elections marked by internet and VPN blocking
Between January 25 and 26, websites hosted inside Belarus were blocked for viewing by foreign visitors, and popular VPNs were blocked for users inside the country.
Belarus: Ahead of the January 26 presidential election, criminal charges against any opposition still used to suppress civic activity
Despite the release of over 200 political prisoners in 2024, the upcoming election is marked by hundreds of new criminal cases and thousands of ongoing persecutions.
Ukraine: New tax rules could strengthen civil society response in wartime
A draft law proposes targeted tax relief and legal clarity for CSOs, enabling more flexible use of funds and promoting stronger support for Ukraine’s defence and recovery efforts.
Ukraine: New regulations on ultimate beneficial owners raise concerns for CSO legal environment
The Orders aim to increase transparency for legal entities, but vague definitions and insufficient safeguards could lead to risks for CSOs and unfair implementation.
Ukraine: State AML/CFT risk assessment of civil society raises concerns
The State Financial Monitoring Service Review regarding threats and risks of using CSOs for money laundering and terrorism financing threatens the operational capacity of CSOs, raising concerns about discrimination and overregulation amid war efforts.
Azerbaijan: Proposed fines for CSOs tighten financial reporting obligations
The risk of high fines can deter CSOs from accepting grants or donations altogether, potentially stifling their ability to carry out vital work.
Georgia: Protests continue, marked by violence, arrests and intimidation
Crackdown on pro-EU demonstrators escalates amid deepening political crisis in the country.
Georgia: Riot police disperse protestors opposing suspension of EU accession talks
The Georgian government, headed by the populist Georgian Dream party, announced the suspension of EU accession negotiations sparking significant political unrest.
Georgia: President challenges parliamentary election result at Constitutional Court
The lawsuit alleges violations of constitutional principles, particularly the secrecy of the vote and universal suffrage, during the October 26 elections. The Court is expected to deliver a verdict in 30 days.
Armenia: Surveillance Law proposal on hold amid public concerns
In response to feedback from the public and CSOs, the Ministry froze its proposal of legal amendments to enlarge the scope of police surveillance, citing the need for further dialogue to ensure public consensus on safety measures.
Georgia: Dispersal of peaceful rally sparks concerns over human rights violations
Police violently dispersed a 48-hour rally in Tbilisi, detaining at least a dozen demonstrators. The use of excessive force and obstruction of journalistic activities were condemned by civil society, media and the Public Defender of Georgia.
Armenia: New law on Police Guards to improve policing of assemblies
Armenia’s new legislative package is expected to ease the process of organising assemblies and address the practical issues related to policing.