Prepared by Messenger Staff
Azerbaijani Journalist Afgan Sadigov Speaks Out After Release
Recently released Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov has accused the Azerbaijani government of extreme repression, claiming the number of political prisoners in the country has reached 400 and that the regime's brutality has "peaked."
Speaking at a press conference after his release, Sadigov thanked his supporters, including the Georgian media, international partners, and his legal team. He also referenced the assassinations of Azerbaijani dissidents Huseyn Bakikhanov and Bayram Mammadov in Georgia, stating:
"The Azerbaijani authorities should know they may arrest or kill someone, but others will always rise in their place."
Sadigov said his family was repeatedly targeted by the authorities:
"Each time I was arrested, they threatened to kill my young children. I repeatedly appealed to Aliyev, this is my fight, leave my family alone. But dictators never change."
He also drew parallels between the Azerbaijani and Georgian governments, criticizing Georgian Dream party:
"This is not the dream of the Georgian people. Living in a dictatorship is not their dream. I urge the Georgian authorities to listen to their people, there's no need to follow Putin or Erdogan. The only right path is to serve the public."
Sadigov claimed he remains at risk in Georgia but said he intends to stay and continue speaking out against authoritarianism.
Addressing the bail imposed on him, he stated:
"I don't accept the bail and won't pay it. Aliyev and Kobakhidze have already bankrupted their countries, I won't contribute to that."
Public Broadcaster Issues Warnings to Three Employees Over Critical Statements
The management of Georgia's Public Broadcaster has issued formal warnings to three more employees over alleged "reputational damage" caused by their public criticism of the channel's editorial direction.
Those sanctioned include Tukha Kvinikadze, editor of the program Real Space; Ana Abakelia, correspondent of the Weekend Show; and Tamar Jincharauli, the show's executive producer. According to the disciplinary orders, the three are accused of "calling into question the editorial independence and impartiality of the broadcaster through statements disseminated in public space," which management claims resulted in harm to the broadcaster's reputation.
As part of the sanctions, the employees are prohibited from publicly criticizing the broadcaster's editorial policy for a period of 12 months. If they "repeat the violation," they risk dismissal.
Previously, journalists Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili were fired for similar criticism. Disciplinary measures have also been taken against four employees.
