Azerbaijani journalist Sadigov begins full hunger strike in Georgian detention

Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov has declared a full hunger strike after the Tbilisi City Court extended his extradition detention for another three months, his lawyer Tamta Mikeladze said on Tuesday.

Sadigov, who was arrested in Georgia on August 3, 2024 at the request of Azerbaijan, has been in detention for six months.

The latest ruling by the Tbilisi City Court on Sunday means he remains in custody while awaiting potential extradition. He is accused of a crime under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, but his supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated.

Speaking about his decision to begin a hunger strike, Mikeladze highlighted what she described as discriminatory treatment inside the penitentiary facility. She said authorities had denied Sadigov access to Georgian literature in the Azerbaijani language, further compounding his frustration.

“Another reason for his protest and anger was that the local penitentiary refused to allow him to bring Georgian literature in Azerbaijani, so this discriminatory decision became an additional factor in his decision. He declared a complete hunger strike, and this worries us very much,” Mikeladze said..

Sadigov’s wife, Sevinch Sadigova, has expressed deep concern over his fate if extradited. She claims Baku is persecuting him for his critical stance against the government, and if he is sent back to Azerbaijan, he faces significant danger, including the possibility of death.