The prominent non-governmental organisation “Rights Georgia” expressed concerns over the physical health of Afgan Sadigov. He is a journalist from Azerbaijan who Georgia law enforcers arrested following request from Azerbaijan.
As per the NGO’s representatives due to the ongoing hunger strike, the health condition of Afgan Sadigov has deteriorated. They met him at the N8 penitentiary establishment of the Special Penitentiary.
It is learnt that hunger strikes caused immense physical loss. He even feels difficulties in moving, talking and concentrating. The NGO applied to higher authorities for his transfer to another establishment with the proper medical facility.
It is worth noting that Afgan Sadigov has been on hunger strike since September 21 against the Migration Department’s decision on his request for international protection (asylum).
He has been living in Georgia since December 24, 2023. Georgia’s Ministry of Justice has granted him residency permit as well. On July 18 this year, he tried to escape to Turkey with his wife and children.
Although his wife and children were allowed, he was only allowed to return to his home country. The NGO Rights Georgia has been monitoring the case since the day of his arrest.
Azerbaijan sought his extradition from Georgia and raised this request with the authorities concerned. Georgia’s Ombudsperson did not disclose the reason behind the journalist’s refusal to enter Turkey.
His family was informed at the time of his arrest and the journalist was also informed about the grounds of his arrest as per constitutional provisions. According to the information, he was arrested following a request from Azerbaijan.
He has been charged in Azerbaijan under various sections related to receiving a large amount of money.
Tbilisi City Court allowed his detention a measure of restraint. NGO “Rights Georgia” officials appealed the decision to higher authorities to reverse the order of the Tbilisi court and grant bail as well.
However, the Investigative Chamber of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals found the appeal inadmissible and upheld the decision of the court of first instance, Tbilisi City Court.
