Azerbaijani Journalist Afgan Sadigov Faces Inhumane Treatment in Tbilisi Prison Amid Extradition Threat

March 25, 2025 – Azerbaijan – 

Afgan Sadigov, an Azerbaijani journalist and editor-in-chief of the independent outlet Azel.TV has been detained in Tbilisi, Georgia, since August 2024. He faces extradition to Azerbaijan on charges of extortion and threats, which international human rights organizations deem politically motivated. Sadigov’s detention has raised serious concerns about his well-being and the potential violation of his rights.

In March 2025, Sadigov’s wife, Sevinj Sadigova, reported that her husband had been subjected to inhumane treatment in pre-trial detention. She stated that since March 18, he has been unable to eat anything except tea and water due to the spoiled food provided in Tbilisi prison. Sadigov had previously gone on a hunger strike lasting 161 days to protest his detention and the threat of extradition. Following an interim ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on February 28, 2025, which prohibited his extradition to Azerbaijan, Sadigov ended his hunger strike. However, his health remains a significant concern.

The Social Justice Center (SJC), a Georgian human rights organization representing Sadigov, has condemned the Georgian courts’ decision to keep him in detention despite the ECHR’s ruling. The SJC argues that the decision is illegal and unfounded, as it contradicts both national legislation and international law. They continue to advocate for Sadigov’s release and the cancellation of his extradition detention.

International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), have called on Georgia to halt Sadigov’s extradition to Azerbaijan. They emphasize that returning him to Azerbaijan would expose him to a real risk of torture and inhumane treatment, violating Georgia’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

As of now, Sadigov remains in custody in Tbilisi, awaiting a final decision on his extradition. His case continues to draw international attention, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in exile and the importance of upholding human rights standards.

Reference – 

Georgia: Urgent Appeal to Halt the Extradition of Azerbaijani Journalist Afgan Sadigov

‘Inhumane treatment of Azerbaijani journalist in Tbilisi prison,’ says Afghan Sadigov’s wife