Azerbaijani Journalist Afgan Sadigov Released on Bail in Georgia Amid Ongoing Extradition Dispute

February 26, 2025 – Azerbaijan – 

Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov was released from extradition custody in Georgia after the Tbilisi City Court granted a prosecutor’s request to replace his detention with bail. Sadigov had been held since August 2024, following an extradition request from Azerbaijan, where he faced charges of extortion—a claim he and his supporters assert is politically motivated due to his critical reporting on the Azerbaijani government.

The court’s decision to release Sadigov came as his nine-month extradition detention period was nearing its legal limit under Georgian law. He was released on bail of 5,000 Georgian lari (approximately $1,800).

Sadigov’s case garnered international attention, with human rights organizations expressing concern over his potential extradition to Azerbaijan. In February 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) intervened, issuing a temporary measure that barred Georgia from extraditing Sadigov until a final judgment is made—a process that could take years. Following this decision, Sadigov ended a 161-day hunger strike he had undertaken to protest his detention.

At a press conference following his release, Sadigov expressed gratitude to his supporters and reiterated his commitment to journalism and free speech. He criticized both the Azerbaijani and Georgian governments, accusing them of suppressing dissent and violating human rights. Sadigov also highlighted the risks faced by journalists in the region, referencing past incidents where journalists were targeted for their work.

While Sadigov’s release on bail is a reprieve, his legal situation remains uncertain. The ECHR’s involvement has delayed his extradition, but the outcome will depend on ongoing legal proceedings. Sadigov’s case underscores the challenges faced by journalists in the region and the importance of international legal protections for press freedom.

Reference – 

https://oc-media.org/azerbaijani-journalist-afgan-sadigov-released-from-prison-after-being-granted-bail/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/azerbaijan-moves-journalist-jail-house-134059364.html