The World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) is concerned about the arrest and harsh conditions of detention in Azerbaijan of civic activist and academic economist Gubad Ibadoglu. A statement in his support was also signed by the international human rights organizations Human Rights Watch and the Human Rights House Foundation.

The document says that for many years Ibadoglu advocated democratic principles and socio-economic progress in Azerbaijan. His commitment to academic excellence has led him to teach at leading universities in the US and Europe, and most recently as a Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics. Gubad Ibadoglu is also the chairman of the Azerbaijan Party for Democracy and Prosperity.

“We urge the Azerbaijani authorities to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances of the detention of Gubad Ibadoglu and his wife Irada Bayramova. We demand the immediate release of Gubad Ibadoglu, as we are convinced that the charges against him are false and politically motivated,” the statement said.

Recall, Gubad Ibadoglu was detained on July 23 and charged with possession of counterfeit money. Earlier, he criticized the Azerbaijani authorities, initiated the confiscation of property from officials.