Prepared by Messenger Staff
Public Defender Provides Update on Azerbaijani Journalist Afgan Sadigov's Hunger Strike
The Public Defender's Office has issued a statement regarding Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov, who is currently on hunger strike in a Georgian prison. The statement follows a visit on February 12 by an Ombudsman representative and a staff doctor to Sadigov, who has been protesting his ongoing extradition proceedings to Azerbaijan.
During the visit, the Ombudsman's team met with the deputy chief physician and Sadigov's treating doctor. They reviewed Sadigov's medical records, which indicate significant weight loss. The Ombudsman's Office highlighted the concern over his health condition, although the attending doctor assured that, at this stage, the data does not suggest immediate danger, despite the risk of potential complications.
The statement further reveals that Sadigov has been receiving medical treatment for several days with his consent due to the deterioration of his health. However, he continues to refuse being transferred to a civilian clinic.
According to the Ombudsman, the doctor informed Sadigov about the expected consequences of his hunger strike. The Public Defender's Office has requested Sadigov's full medical documentation to monitor his condition closely.
Sweden Condemns Georgia's Democratic Backsliding and Advocates for EU Enlargement
On February 12, 2025, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard addressed the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament) to present the 2025 Statement of Foreign Policy. During her speech, she strongly criticized the Georgian government, asserting that its actions contradict the values and principles upon which the European Union (EU) is founded. This marked a significant rebuke of Georgia's recent political developments.
Minister Stenergard highlighted irregularities in Georgia's October parliamentary elections, describing an "uneven playing field, entrenched polarization, pressure, and threats against voters." She also condemned violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia, calling it "unacceptable" and advocating for EU sanctions against those responsible. Sweden's stance reflects growing international concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia.
Despite these criticisms, Stenergard reaffirmed Sweden's support for democratic and pro-European movements in Georgia. She emphasized that EU enlargement remains a "geostrategic investment" vital to European security and prosperity. However, she made it clear that Sweden's support for candidate countries like Georgia is "strong but not unconditional," signaling that adherence to democratic principles remains a prerequisite for closer ties with the EU.
