Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General Defends Reopened Case Against Journalist Afgan Sadigov

Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev has responded to an inquiry from the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, concerning the criminal prosecution of journalist Afgan Sadigov.

In his letter, O’Flaherty expressed concern over the human rights situation in Azerbaijan and sought clarification regarding the reopening of criminal proceedings against Sadigov after the case had previously been terminated.

The Commissioner noted that Sadigov had been deported to Azerbaijan after the initial criminal case against him had been closed and asked the Prosecutor General to explain the legal grounds for reopening the investigation.

“I would ask you to explain the legal basis on which the criminal proceedings against Mr. Sadigov were first discontinued and subsequently reopened, as well as the reasons why pre-trial detention was considered necessary instead of less restrictive preventive measures,” O’Flaherty wrote.

In his response, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev argued that calls by human rights organizations for the immediate release of journalists, human rights defenders and civil society activists “have no legal basis.”

Aliyev also claimed that Afgan Sadigov is not recognized as a journalist under Azerbaijan’s domestic legislation.

According to the Prosecutor General, the criminal case, which had initially been terminated by investigators, was later reinstated by a court following complaints filed by alleged victims.

He further stated that pre-trial detention was ordered because investigators believed Sadigov might evade the investigation.

Aliyev accused Sadigov of using social media platforms to disseminate defamatory information and to pressure individuals in an attempt to obtain property through threats.

The Prosecutor General also indicated that additional criminal charges may soon be brought against the journalist, stating that investigators continue to receive new complaints concerning Sadigov.

Afgan Sadigov was deported from Georgia to Azerbaijan on April 5, 2026.

On June 28, 2026, the Binagadi District Court ordered that the previously discontinued criminal case be reopened. On the same day, the court imposed a pre-trial detention measure against the journalist.

Sadigov and his supporters reject the accusations against him, describing the case as politically motivated. His prosecution has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and European institutions, which have repeatedly expressed concern over the treatment of independent journalists in Azerbaijan.