Azerbaijani journalist Sadigov received no medical checks in Georgian prison after 161-day hunger strike, wife

An Azerbaijani journalist imprisoned in Georgia has not received medical examinations or appropriate treatment following a prolonged hunger strike, his wife claimed on Monday.

Afgan Sadigov, who ended a 161-day hunger strike in February, remains in custody without proper medical attention, according to his wife, Sevinch Sadigova. Speaking to reporters, she expressed deep concerns over his deteriorating health.

“I spoke to him today, he called me. I could not even imagine that a person who had been on hunger strike for so many days had not even received any medical examinations. Moreover, he is very weak,” she said.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has issued an interim measure preventing Georgia from extraditing Sadigov to Azerbaijan until his case is fully considered in Strasbourg.

Sadigov was arrested in Tbilisi on August 3 at Azerbaijan’s request, where he faces charges related to threats and extortion. His family, human rights organizations, and independent media allege the charges are politically motivated, claiming the government of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is targeting him for his journalistic work.
Criticism has also been directed at the Georgian authorities, with Sadigova alleging that her husband is not receiving the care he urgently needs.

“They only give him a daily ration. That’s it. I don’t know why, but they’re still doing their job, of course. Ivanishvili’s regime is worse than Aliyev’s,” she said, referring to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the former Georgian prime minister and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party often accused of wielding significant influence over the country’s politics.