The international human rights organization Amnesty International in a letter addressed to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev called for the release of economist and political activist Gubad Ibadoglu.

“The arrest of Gubad Ibadoglu, who has been in custody since July 23, 2023, is a harsh reckoning for his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and expressing opposition to government injustice. His imprisonment demonstrates the systematic persecution of dissidents in Azerbaijan. His serious condition associated with heart disease, diabetes, kidney and back diseases requires immediate attention,” the letter said.

The organization called on President Aliyev to drop all charges against Ibadoglu and facilitate his departure from Azerbaijan to receive medical care abroad.

Earlier, 240 international organizations, scientists and human rights activists, as well as politicians from the United States and European countries asked for the release of Gubad Ibadoglu. On April 22, he 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 by house arrest. The police officers put an electronic bracelet on him.

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.