Rights advocate criticises expulsion of Azerbaijani journalist

Georgian rights advocate Tamta Mikeladze has criticised the expulsion of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov, accusing authorities of carrying out a “revenge operation” against him.

In a social media post, Mikeladze said both Georgia and Azerbaijan “could have simply left him alone”, but instead “did everything to destroy one individual”.

She also said Sadigov’s current whereabouts are unknown, adding: “We still do not know where [he] is or what fate awaits him in Azerbaijan.”

Mikeladze alleged that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia had made misleading statements and argued that an interim measure issued by the European Court of Human Rights remains in force unless lifted by the court.

She said lawyers had informed the Strasbourg court of the latest developments and requested a new interim measure.

Mikeladze said Sadigov had repeatedly sought to leave Georgia after his release from detention, but was subject to court-imposed travel restrictions at the request of prosecutors. She said his family had been granted asylum in Europe and that he had intended to reunite with them.

According to her, a humanitarian visa process had been under way but was delayed due to the travel ban, and despite the reported withdrawal of Azerbaijan’s extradition request, the court did not take these factors into account and he was expelled directly to Azerbaijan without being allowed to leave voluntarily.