**Protest in Tbilisi Against Azerbaijan’s Treatment of Journalist**
A protest was held on November 11 in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. The protesters were demanding the release of Afghan Sadigov, an Azerbaijani journalist who has been in detention for over two months.
Sadigov was arrested after Azerbaijan made a request to extradite him. He is being held in prison and has gone on hunger strike to protest his treatment. His condition is very serious and doctors are warning that he could fall into a coma at any time.
The protesters, including Sadigov’s wife and two young daughters, marched through the streets of Tbilisi carrying signs that read “Free Afghan Sadigov” and “Stop COP29”. They were protesting against the way Azerbaijan has been treating its journalists and activists.
**Similarities with Georgian Regime**
Sadigov’s wife, Sevinc Sadiqova, a journalist for Ekho Kavkaza, said that the treatment of her husband was not just a problem for Azerbaijan, but also for Georgia. She claimed that the regime in power in both countries is very similar and that they are more interested in promoting themselves as leaders on climate change than in solving human rights issues.
**COP29 and Human Rights**
The protest coincided with the 29th annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) being held in Azerbaijan. The protesters were angry that this conference was being used to promote Azerbaijan’s image, while ignoring the country’s poor record on human rights.
**International Pressure**
There have been several international calls for Sadigov’s release, including from the United States and international watchdogs. However, despite this pressure, Sadigov remains in detention.
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