An appeal to the Azerbaijani authorities has been published on the website of the international coalition of civil society organizations under the UN Convention against Corruption. 240 international organizations, scientists and human rights activists asked for the release of scientist-economist, chairman of the Movement for Democracy and Prosperity of Azerbaijan party Gubad Ibadoglu.
“Gubad is a well-known fighter against corruption in Azerbaijan. He exposed significant corruption in the country's oil and gas sector, advocated for budget transparency and helped confiscate assets stolen and hidden offshore by Azerbaijani oligarchs,” said Matthias Huter, managing director of the coalition.
Ibadoglu suffers from diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. His condition deteriorated significantly during his time in custody. He is now at risk of developing a life-threatening exacerbation of heart disease if he does not receive appropriate medical care, the document emphasizes.
On April 22, Gubad Ibadoglu was released from the pre-trial detention center, where he had been held since July 23, 2023. By a court decision, the preventive measure was replaced with house arrest. The police officers put an electronic bracelet on him.
On July 24, 2023, Gubad Ibadoglu was arrested on charges of selling counterfeit money, as well as under the article of distributing extremist materials. The accused rejects the investigators' arguments.
The arrest caused a wide resonance in the world. Human rights activists believe that the scientist is being persecuted for political reasons. Politicians from the United States and European countries came out in support of it.
