The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) sharply criticized the deportation of Azerbaijani journalist and activist Afgan Sadigov from Georgia. HRW believes he was at real risk of politically motivated persecution and ill-treatment.

HRW points to a long history of persecution of journalists and government critics in Azerbaijan, where criminal and administrative charges are often used to suppress dissent. Of particular concern is the Sadigov case, which is pending before the ECHR, and the possible disregard for provisional measures issued by the court.

“The circumstances of Sadigov’s expulsion raise serious questions about whether Georgian authorities acted in bad faith and colluded with Azerbaijani officials to circumvent obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights...Council of Europe member states must investigate Georgia’s actions and ensure accountability for any possible violations of its obligations,” HRW said.

Sadigov was expelled on April 5 for allegedly insulting a police officer and numerous administrative violations, receiving a three-year entry ban. His expulsion coincided with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Tbilisi, but Georgia's ruling party denies any connection between the events, saying the decision was made on the basis of local legislation.

Once in Baku, Afgan Sadigov was detained by the police and then released. He was informed that he was wanted, but after a statement that the criminal case was closed, he was released, warning of the possibility of repeated arrests.