Afgan Sadygov lost consciousness in Tbilisi detention center

Afgan Sadygov, the head of the Azerbaijani website Azel.TV, who has been on a dry hunger strike since February 2 in the Tbilisi detention center, lost consciousness on Tuesday evening, his wife  Sevinc Sadygova told Turan.

"Since the evening, Afgan's  health was very bad. By morning, he was unconscious. The medical staff said that the detention center lacks the appropriate conditions, and if he continues the hunger strike, he will need to be transferred to a clinic," said Sadygova. However, she noted that Afgan is determined to continue his hunger strike. In turn, lawyer Mariam Kvelashvili told Turan that she is aware of Afgan Sadygov's  health.

*Afgan Sadygov, along with his family, arrived in Georgia in December 2023, fearing persecution. In July, he was not allowed to leave Georgia for Türkiye, with authorities stating that he could only return to Azerbaijan.

In August 2024, following a request from Azerbaijan, Sadygov was taken into custody. In Baku, he is accused of extortion, and extradition is being requested. Since September 21, he has been on a hunger strike in protest against the Georgian authorities' refusal to grant him political asylum.

On November 28, 2024, the Tbilisi City Court ruled for his extradition to Azerbaijan. On January 15, 2025, the appellate court confirmed this decision, and on January 31, the Tbilisi court extended his detention for another three months.