US again calls for release of Azerbaijani opposition scientist who faces new charges

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio also joined numerous calls to the Azerbaijani authorities to release the chairman of the Democracy and Welfare Party, academic economist Gubad Ibadoglu. “Gubad Ibadoglu, an Azerbaijani opposition leader and economist, has been facing unsubstantiated criminal charges and is being held without access to medical care. His only crime is that he spoke the truth. He should be released immediately,” Rubio tweeted.

The day before, the investigation opened a new case against Gubadu Ibadoglu for the production, storage or distribution of extremist materials. During a search in his house, security forces allegedly found books and speeches by Turkish preacher Fetulahh Gülen, who is accused of attempting a coup d'état in 2016 in Turkey. Thus, along with Art. 204.3.1 (Production, purchase or sale of counterfeit money) Gubadoglu is also charged under Art. 167-3.1 (Production, storage or distribution of religious extremist materials).

Gubad Ibadoglu denies the accusations, considering them absurd. Many international organizations and officials called on Baku to immediately release the politician.

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