Afgan Sadigov goes on hunger strike

Baku / 04.11.20 / Turan: The editor-in-chief of the Azel TV website Afgan Sadigov began a hunger strike on November 4, his wife said

Sevinj Sadigova.

The journalist protests against the 7-year imprisonment sentence passed against him the day before.

He considers the verdict unfair. According to S. Sadygova, her husband, in his last word in court, called his arrest an "order" with the aim of punishing because of his professional activities, and in particular exposing corrupt officials.

“I also think the sentence is unfair. There is no evidence in the case of extortion by means of threats, there is no article of a blackmailing nature,” S. Sadygova said.

She noted that her husband would starve to the end until the criminal prosecution of him is terminated.  

S.Sadigova informed the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan and the International Committee of the Red Cross  about the hunger strike of the husband. She noted that an appeal would be filed against the verdict.

A. Sadygov was detained on May 13, and the Binagadi court arrested him for 4 months on charges of extortion through threats. According to the investigation, Sadigov was detained together with the editor of the Xəbərfakt.az publication Sakit Muradov red-handed while receiving a bribe of 10 thousand manats. Moreover, Muradov was not taken into custody. On November 3, the Baku Serious Crimes Court sentenced Sadigov to 7 years in prison and Muradov to 5 years of probation with a 3-year probationary period.

A. Sadygov is known for scandalous publications in which it was alleged that some officials were involved in corruption and crime. The Union for Freedom of Political Prisoners declared A. Sadigov a political prisoner. –06D-