Day: September 18, 2024
Georgian PM and US Ambassador
Following the sanctions announced by the US State Department against Georgian officials, Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, stating that the “US has come close to a critical point” and that “if a similar decision is made again, there will be a qualitative reassessment of Georgian-American relations.”
According to the government, Kobakhidze “expressed personal respect for the ambassador” and raised concerns about the US State Department’s decision made the day before.
“[Irakli Kobakhidze] said that this decision has brought the American side close to a critical point, and that in the event of another similar decision, there may be a qualitative reassessment of Georgia’s position on Georgian-American relations.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the decision made by the US State Department is aimed at improving the opposition’s chances in the elections, but it is completely counterproductive, as it will not benefit the opposition’s results nor intimidate the ruling party.
According to the prime minister, the ruling party is confident that the decision, issued on behalf of the State Department, will instead strengthen the public’s motivation on October 26 to firmly defend Georgia’s independence and sovereignty,” stated the Georgian government’s report on the meeting with the US ambassador.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on Zviad Kharazishvili, the head of Georgia’s special forces (also known by his nickname “Khareba”), his deputy Mileri Lagazauri, as well as leaders of the pro-Russian movement Alt-info, Konstantine Morgoshia and Zurab Makharadze.
Additionally, the State Department has introduced visa restrictions on over 60 members of the Georgian government and parliament, including their families, for “undermining democracy.”
Notably, both Khareba and his deputy were added to the so-called “Magnitsky List.” Both high-ranking officials are linked to violence against opponents of the “foreign agents law” [or the Russian law, as it is referred to by the public].
The U.S. Treasury Department stated that all property and assets of these individuals located in the United States or in jurisdictions under U.S. authority will be frozen.
Afghan Sadigov was denied asylum in Georgia
The Georgian Migration Department has refused to grant political asylum to Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadygov. His lawyer, Dimitri Nozadze, announced that Sadygov will challenge the decision in court upon receiving the official documentation.
“Sadygov has received the rejection from the Migration Department in Azerbaijani. We anticipate receiving a detailed explanation in Georgian, outlining the reasons for the denial. Following this, we plan to file a lawsuit in the city court to contest the Migration Department’s refusal to grant international protection,” said Nozadze.
If Sadygov is extradited to Azerbaijan, it would not be an unprecedented case. Investigative journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, who faced persecution by the regime of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and lived in Tbilisi with his family, was abducted by unknown individuals from Tbilisi in 2017 and taken to Azerbaijan, where he was convicted on multiple charges.
Azel.Tv’s chief editor, Afgan Sadygov, was detained in Tbilisi on August 3. He said that he had been earlier prevented from leaving Georgia at the Tbilisi Airport and was told he could only return to Azerbaijan.
The following day, Sadygov was sentenced to three months in an extradition detention facility. The city court’s decision was later upheld by the appellate court.
According to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sadygov has been wanted by Azerbaijan since 2024 for crimes involving “threats and extortion.” The Azerbaijani citizen was detained by the Ministry’s Central Criminal Police Department.
Who is Afgan Sadygov?
Afgan Sadygov has been arrested twice in Azerbaijan – in 2016 and 2020, respectively, and claims political persecution in his home country.
The journalist, who considers himself a former political prisoner, has been living in Tbilisi for seven months. He came to Georgia for medical treatment a year and a half ago, stating that a prolonged hunger strike in prison had deteriorated his health.
“After treatment, Sadygov returned home. He said the Azerbaijani authorities began creating problems for him again. He faced intimidation and pressure, prompting him to move to Tbilisi. The journalist believes that returning to Azerbaijan is unsafe for him,” media report.
Afgan Sadygov was listed among journalists whose release was demanded by the Committee to Protect Journalists in 2019.
