Georgian court orders extradition of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov

The Tbilisi City Court on Thursday ruled to extradite Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov to Azerbaijan, despite allegations of political persecution in his home country.

The decision, announced by Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili, disregarded claims of persecution provided by Sadigov’s legal team.

Sadigov, who has been on a hunger strike for 69 days in protest of his treatment, was brought to court in a wheelchair due to his deteriorating health. He is currently receiving care at the Penitentiary Service Clinic.

Lawyers for Sadigov have seven days to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. Keti Chutlashvili, a lawyer with the Center for Social Justice, noted that even if the Supreme Court upholds the decision, the Georgian Minister of Justice has the authority to halt the extradition.

Sadigov’s request for international asylum was denied by the Tbilisi City Court, a decision his legal team intends to challenge in the Court of Appeal.