The International Press Institute (IPI) demands the immediate release of Azerbaijani journalist and editor-in-chief of Azel.tv, Afgan Sadigov, from extradition detention. IPI urges the Government of Georgia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia not to transfer Sadigov to Azerbaijan and to permit him to leave Georgia.
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On August 3, criminal police officers arrested Sadygov on the street in Tbilisi, in the presence of his wife and children. On August 4, a judge sentenced him to three months of extradition detention. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Afgan Sadygov is wanted in Azerbaijan for threats and extortion. He will remain in prison pending a final decision on extradition.
"In court, the prosecutor's office argued that the individual was avoiding reporting to the investigative authorities. However, there is no evidence in the case that he received any summons or failed to appear. A case was initiated against Afgan Sadygov in Azerbaijan without his knowledge.
In the event of extradition, there is a high risk that he will be subjected to torture or inhumane treatment, or that his life and health may be seriously threatened," said lawyer Dimitri Nozadze. He added that the journalist is seeking asylum in Georgia.
Sevinch Sadygova believes that her husband is being persecuted for criticizing the government of Azerbaijan and is being detained by order of President Ilham Aliyev.
According to Nona Kurdovanidze, chairman of the Association of Young Lawyers of Georgia, handing over the journalist to Azerbaijan would be a serious violation of human rights, and the only correct decision is to refuse extradition.
"If a person is persecuted in his own country because of his views and activities, if he faces ill-treatment or torture in prison and cannot enjoy the right to a fair trial in his own country, his extradition, regardless of who he is, is not permissible. Georgia has an obligation under international agreements not to allow extradition in such cases.
Therefore, this situation will again test whether Georgia is faithful to its obligations under international agreements or whether it rejects them," said Kurdovanidze.
Afgan Sadygov has been living in Georgia since December 24, 2023. About two weeks ago, he attempted to travel to Turkey with his wife and two minor daughters, but Georgian border guards at Tbilisi International Airport did not allow him to cross the border. They did not arrest Sadigov at that time but informed him that he could only return to Azerbaijan.
The authorities of Azerbaijan last arrested Afgan Sadigov in May 2020 on charges of extortion. In November of the same year, he was sentenced to seven years in prison. Sadygov denied the accusation and, in protest, announced a hunger strike in prison. Local human rights defenders recognized him as a political prisoner. In late May 2022, Sadygov was pardoned by President Ilham Aliyev.
