Media Voice expresses deep concern over the arrest of independent Azerbaijani journalist and editor-in-chief of Azel.TV, Afghan Sadygov, by Georgian authorities on August 3, 2024. Sadygov faces possible extradition to Azerbaijan, where he has previously been imprisoned on politically motivated charges and recognized as a political prisoner by international organizations.
During this critical pre-election period in Georgia, the media environment continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by the recent passage of a Russia-inspired "foreign agent law" that poses significant threats to press freedom. Afghan Sadygov's case underscores the urgent need to prevent further persecution and uphold human rights, as it severely undermines journalistic freedom and violates international law. This case may also contribute to an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship among journalists.
Journalists in exile from various countries, including those critical of authoritarian regimes, face similar threats, including surveillance, harassment, and even abduction. Concerns have been raised about the safety of Azerbaijani journalists in Georgia, especially after the 2017 kidnapping of journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, forcibly returned to Azerbaijan, and sentenced to six years in prison. These cases exemplify media freedom risks in Georgia, where exiled journalists continue to be targeted.
Call to Action (CTA): In this precarious pre-election period, where press freedom in Georgia is under significant threat, we urgently call on the Georgian authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms by releasing Afghan Sadygov expeditiously. The worsening media environment in Georgia, compounded by the challenges faced by journalists in exile, requires immediate international attention and intervention. Afghan Sadygov’s case is a clear example of the dangers that journalists continue to face, even in exile, and underscores the need for coordinated global efforts to protect and uphold press freedom.
Backgrounder:
Afgan Sadygov has previously been imprisoned twice in Azerbaijan (in 2016: he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for aggravated assault; and in 2019: he was sentenced to seven years in prison for extortion) on charges widely considered politically motivated. He has been recognized by international organizations as a political prisoner.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) found that Azerbaijan had violated Article 5 (right to liberty and security) and Article 6 (right to a fair trial) of the Convention (case 37901/18: Sadygov v. Azerbaijan). The ECtHR ruled (decision issued in 2022) that Sadygov’s detention was unlawful and ordered compensation for non-pecuniary damage. Afgan Sadygov was released in May 2022 after receiving a presidential pardon in Azerbaijan.
After his release, Sadygov moved to Georgia (December 2023) due to safety concerns in Azerbaijan. Sadygov has reported feeling unsafe in Georgia as well, citing surveillance and threatening messages. Sadygov was prevented from leaving Georgia two weeks prior (July 17, 2024) to his arrest, being told he could only return to Azerbaijan. No formal explanation or documentation was provided to Sadygov regarding the travel restriction.
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