The defense considered Sadygov's new arrest in Georgia unlawful.

A Tbilisi court has again arrested Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov for seven days for participating in roadblocks. The October 19-21 protests, the case of which the court heard today, had already taken place by the time the decision on the first arrest was made, the defense indicated, stating that they intend to appeal the arrest.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot", on October 23, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov to 14 days of administrative arrest, recognizing him as one of those who blocked traffic on Rustaveli Avenue. In addition to administrative arrest, Sadigov was also fined for 55 offenses totaling 270,000 lari (approximately $99,800). The defense appealed the fines imposed on Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov in Georgia, totaling more than $100,000, for his involvement in roadblocks. However, the appellate court upheld Sadigov's administrative detention. Georgian authorities know that Afgan Sadigov cannot pay these fines, his family reported.

The Tbilisi City Court today arrested Afgan Sadygov for 7 days, charging him with "participation in blocking roads," the journalist's wife, Sevinj Sadygov, who is currently in political exile in France, told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"The very next day after his 14-day arrest ended, Afgan received a call and was told to appear at the Tbilisi City Court on November 12 at 1:00 p.m. court.

On the same charge, in addition to a 14-day arrest, he was previously issued 55 fines totaling 85,000 euros. This is blatant lawlessness.

Today, he was arrested again for seven days on the same charge of "participating in blocking roads." On the same charge, in addition to a 14-day arrest, he was previously issued 55 fines totaling 85,000 euros. This is blatant lawlessness," Sadygova said.

She believes that her husband is being intimidated by the arrests and fines.

"However, nothing can intimidate Afgan. He endured lengthy arrests and hunger strikes. And yesterday, knowing that he was facing trial today, Afgan went to another protest in Tbilisi and burned portraits of Putin and Ivanishvili," Sadygova said.

As Afgan Sadygova's lawyer, Mariam Kvelashvili, explained to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, this time the journalist was convicted of "participating in roadblocks" during protests on October 19, 20, and 21.

According to her, the defense objected to the journalist being charged with participating in roadblocks again. "When Afgan Sadygov was last tried, the events of October 19, 20, and 21 were already known, and they should have been taken into account in the court's decision, in which case there would have been no need for a new arrest," the lawyer noted.

According to her, the defense has the right to appeal within 48 hours. "Of course, we will file an appeal, but unfortunately, its consideration will be a formality, and Afgan Sadygov will not be released," the lawyer said.

She added that the date for the hearing of the appeal against the fines imposed on Sadygov has not yet been set.

It was not possible to obtain comment from Georgian law enforcement agencies.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. Over the course of the protests, more than a thousand people were subjected to administrative prosecution. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report, "Key Points on the Persecution of Protesters in Georgia".