The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has released information regarding the detention of Azerbaijani journalist Afghan Sadigov.

According to the Ministry, Afghan Sadigov, a citizen of Azerbaijan, was detained under administrative law for “insulting a police officer” on social media.

The agency states that he was fined 2,000 GEL, deported from Georgia, and banned from entering the country for a period of 3 years.

It is also noted that, among other factual circumstances, information provided by Azerbaijani law enforcement regarding security concerns related to Afghan Sadigov was taken into account.

Additionally, the investigative authority explains that, due to an interim measure imposed by the Strasbourg Court (European Court of Human Rights), Georgia had been prohibited from extraditing Afghan Sadigov to Azerbaijan, and therefore the Georgian side had refused extradition. However, a few days ago, through official sources, the Georgian side learned that the Azerbaijani Prosecutor’s Office exercised its discretionary authority and terminated the criminal prosecution in the case for which the Strasbourg Court had issued the interim measure. Accordingly, all extradition procedures in Georgia have also been terminated.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasizes that the administrative offense committed by Sadigov includes, as a penalty, not only a fine but also deportation from Georgia and a ban on re-entry. Consequently, Afghan Sadigov was deported to his country of origin and banned from entering Georgia for three years.

“Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained Afghan Sadigov, a citizen of Azerbaijan, under administrative procedures, and he was presented before the court within the framework of the relevant administrative case.

The Tbilisi City Court found Sadigov guilty of an administrative offense under Article 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code, specifically for insulting a police officer on social media. He was fined 2,000 GEL, deported from Georgia, and banned from entering the country for three years.

The court took into account the position of the Ministry of Internal Affairs representatives and noted that this individual had been identified 62 times for various types of administrative offenses, including violations of rules governing assemblies and demonstrations, for which he has already served administrative detention twice.

In addition, among other circumstances, information from Azerbaijani law enforcement regarding security-related concerns about Afghan Sadigov was considered.

Furthermore, to inform the public and prevent speculation, we clarify that in recent years the Republic of Azerbaijan had requested the extradition of Afghan Sadigov, who was wanted in a criminal case. Due to the interim measure imposed by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, Georgia was obligated not to extradite him, and naturally the Georgian side refused extradition. A few days ago, however, it became known through official sources that the Azerbaijani Prosecutor’s Office exercised its discretionary powers and terminated the criminal prosecution in that case. Accordingly, all extradition procedures in Georgia have been halted.

At the same time, Sadigov committed an administrative offense which, as a penalty, includes deportation from Georgia and a ban on entry, in addition to a fine. Therefore, he was deported to his country of origin and banned from entering Georgia for three years.

Human rights and freedoms are fully protected in Georgia. At the same time, the state strictly maintains a balance between individual rights and state security interests. Individuals who violate the law or are present without legal grounds will be subject to measures provided by law, in full compliance with the rule of law,” the statement reads.