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Georgian Courts Defy ECtHR Ruling on Afgan Sadygov's Extradition Detention
Georgian courts have upheld the extradition detention of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadygov, despite the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) prohibiting his transfer to Azerbaijan, the Social Justice Center (SJC) said on March 20.
The ECtHR issued an interim measure on February 27, instructing Georgia not to extradite Sadygov until it issues a final ruling. However, Georgian courts have maintained that his detention remains legal, rejecting appeals for his release.
On March 11, the SJC filed a motion with the Tbilisi City Court, requesting that Sadygov's extradition detention be canceled and replaced with bail. The organization pointed out that his final detention deadline expires on May 3, meaning he could remain in custody well before the ECtHR issues a final decision.
The Tbilisi City Court dismissed the motion without an oral hearing, declaring it inadmissible. The judge ruled that the ECtHR's interim measure only suspends extradition and does not constitute a new legal circumstance that would justify modifying Sadygov's detention status.
On March 17, the Investigative Panel of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals upheld the lower court's ruling, arguing that the defense failed to prove why the ECtHR's decision warranted Sadygov's release. The court further cited concerns that he "may evade justice" if released.
The Social Justice Center strongly condemned both rulings, stating:
"The reasoning of both the Tbilisi City Court and the Tbilisi Court of Appeals is completely unfounded and contradicts the requirements of both national legislation and international law."
The organization also announced that it will continue to challenge the "illegal decisions" and has already submitted a full application to the ECtHR.
Georgian Government Ready to Rebuild Relations with U.S., Says Kakha Kaladze
The Georgian government is prepared to regulate its relations with the United States, but first, the "Deep State" must be defeated, according to Kakha Kaladze, General Secretary of Georgian Dream party and Mayor of Tbilisi.
Speaking to journalists, Kaladze emphasized that the Georgian government remains open to cooperation with the U.S. but believes that the internal political struggle in Washington will have a direct impact on Georgia. He expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump would succeed in his declared fight against the "Deep State."
"The Georgian government is ready to regulate relations. We are closely following the processes that are happening," Kaladze said. "The newly elected president of the United States has directly declared war on the 'Deep State,' and his main task is to defeat the 'Deep State.'"
Kaladze further claimed that the influence of global political forces has extended into Georgia and suggested that their removal would lead to immediate positive changes for the country.
"We spoke about the 'Global War Party' a long time ago, their interests, and the fact that they had deep roots in Georgia and other countries, and they have interests there," he stated. "Therefore, the first thing that must happen is the defeat of the 'Deep State.' We will see this immediately. Of course, this will reflect on our country and our relationship with our country."
Reiterating Georgia's willingness to maintain strong ties with the U.S., Kaladze expressed support for Trump's political goals.
"The Georgian government and authorities are ready for friendship," he affirmed. "We wish the President of the United States success in this fight and hope that he will fully fulfill the promise he made regarding the defeat of the 'Deep State.'"
