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March 21, 2025 – Azerbaijan/Turkey –
Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov, detained in Georgia since August 2024, has been released on bail following a ruling by the Tbilisi City Court. The court replaced his extradition detention with a ₾5,000 ($1,800) bail, allowing him to leave prison on April 16, 2025.
Sadigov, the head of the Azerbaijani news outlet Azel.TV, was arrested in Tbilisi at Azerbaijan’s request, facing charges of extortion. He had been living in Georgia with his family since December 2023 and had planned to leave the country two weeks before his arrest but was barred by immigration officers at Tbilisi Airport from exiting Georgia.
In protest of his detention, Sadigov initiated a hunger strike that lasted 161 days. His health deteriorated significantly, leading to his transfer to a prison hospital in October 2024. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) intervened in February 2025, temporarily halting his extradition to Azerbaijan.
Despite the ECHR’s ruling, Sadigov remained in custody, prompting criticism from human rights organizations. The Georgian Centre for Social Justice argued that his continued detention violated his rights and called for improved detention conditions and adequate medical care.
Following his release, Sadigov expressed gratitude to Georgian journalists and activists for their support during his ordeal. He remains a vocal critic of the Azerbaijani regime and has vowed to continue his work advocating for press freedom and human rights.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in the region. International organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the protection of journalists and the upholding of human rights standards.
Reference –
https://oc-media.org/azerbaijani-journalist-detained-by-georgia-begins-dry-hunger-strike/
‘Inhumane treatment of Azerbaijani journalist in Tbilisi prison,’ says Afghan Sadigov’s wife
