On 22 November 2016, police arrested Afgan Sadikhov, a journalist and editor-in-chief of AzelTV news website, known for his reporting on embezzlement of public funds. Sadikhov was arrested in Gazakh region and was later transferred to Jalilabad city, where the Jalilabad District Court sentenced him to three month's pre-trial detention on charges of "deliberate infliction of minor harm to health in a publicly dangerous way or through motives of hooliganism" under article 127.2.3 of the Criminal Code. Sadikhov faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred shortly before Sadhikov's arrest. According to Sadikhov's family, he was summoned to meet with the local authorities, but on arriving at the spot was physically attacked by a local woman, who then filed a complaint to the law-enforcement against him. The woman has been previously involved in a number of similar altercations with individuals known for their criticism of regional authorities.
Sadikhov wrote extensively about the poor conditions of roads and social infrastructure in Jalilabad region. According to his mother, prior to his arrest Sadikhov received several warnings demanding he stop his criticism.
On 8 November 2017, the Supreme Court held Afgan Sadikhov's appeal hearing and ruled to reduce his jail term to one year and six months by changing the original charges brought against him.
On 25 May 2017, the Shirvan Court of Appeal rejected Sadikhov`s request for appeal.
Article published by Caucasian Knot: "Court of Appeal upholds verdict to Azerbaijani journalist Afghan Sadygov"
On 9 March 2017, the head of the Jalilabad District filed a lawsuit against Sadikhov for aggravated defamation.
Article published on Caucasian Knot: "Azerbaijani journalist Afghan Sadygov accused of defamation"
On 12 January 2017, the District Court of Jalilabad sentenced Afgan Sadikhov to 2 years and 6 months in prison on hooliganism charges.
Article published by Caucasian Knot: "Azeri journalist Sadygov sentenced to 2.5 years in prison"
Prison census as published on the website of the Committee to Protect Journalists: "2016 prison census: 259 journalists jailed worldwide"