OSCE representative concerned about Afgan Sadygov's arrest in Georgia

Georgian authorities should thoroughly investigate the case of journalist Afgan Sadygov before extraditing him to Azerbaijan, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Press Teresa Riberio has said.

"The detention of Azerbaijani editor Afgan Sadygov in Georgia pending possible extradition is a matter of concern. Georgia must carefully consider the risks Sadigov may face in Azerbaijan, where he was previously imprisoned for his journalistic activities.

A thorough assessment is needed," Riberio wrote on social media platform X.

* Afgan Sadygov, founder of "Azel TV" website, was detained in Tbilisi on 3 August at the request of the Azerbaijani prosecutor's office.

On 4 August, the court arrested him for two months for extradition to Azerbaijan, where a criminal case has been opened against him on charges of extortion.

Sadygov denies the charges and believes that the criminal case against him has been fabricated to punish him for criticizing the authorities.

Note that Sadygov had previously been prosecuted twice in Azerbaijan and twice sentenced to imprisonment. Both times he was recognized as political prisoner by human rights activists.