According to the Democracy Research Institute (DRI), the decision taken by the state in relation to Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov constitutes a grave violation of human rights, including breaches of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and applicable domestic legislation. In the organisation’s assessment, the state deployed all available resources against Mr Sadigov, who is known for his critical stance, and subjected him to exemplary punishment. Among other violations, his right to a fair trial was deliberately infringed.

Despite the formal attempt by the Georgian judiciary to comply, it effectively violated the interim measure issued by the European Court of Human Rights prohibiting the extradition of Afgan Sadigov to Azerbaijan. On 5 April, at approximately 04:00 early in the morming, pursuant to a decision by Judge Tornike Kochkiani, Mr Sadigov was expelled from Georgia within a matter of hours.

The purpose of an interim measure is to safeguard an individual’s rights pending the European Court’s final judgment. Although criminal proceedings against Mr Sadigov have formally been discontinued in Azerbaijan, the European Court itself has not reconsidered or lifted its earlier decision. Furthermore, the Georgian courts were under an obligation, prior to deciding on his expulsion, to examine and assess the risks and potential threats the journalist might face.

The decision taken in respect of Mr Afgan Sadigov represents a continuation of the pattern of repression that has recently been directed against the Azerbaijani journalist in Georgia. On 22 October 2025, he was initially detained for participating in peaceful protests, on the grounds of allegedly blocking a road, and was sentenced to 14 days of administrative detention. Subsequently, on the same grounds, he was again subjected to 7 days of administrative detention. On 16 January, once more in connection with his participation in a peaceful protest, administrative proceedings against him were terminated and the case was referred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the basis of alleged indications of a criminal offence, for further action. The repeated use of administrative proceedings against him should be regarded as an instrument of political pressure. On 4 April 2026, Mr Sadigov was again detained under administrative procedures, this time in connection with a critical Facebook post, in clear violation of the law.