MEPs call on Azerbaijani authorities to release economist Gubad Ibadoglu

The European Parliament has called for the criminal case against economist and activist Gubad Ibadoglu and other political prisoners in Azerbaijan to be dropped.

"We are deeply concerned about the situation of Mr Ibadoglu, a staunch advocate for transparency and the fight against corruption, who has been unfairly accused of trying to silence his critical voice against the Azerbaijani authorities," the statement said.

According to MEPs, Gubad Ibadoglu's health condition requires urgent medical attention. The Azerbaijani authorities should allow him to leave the country for treatment abroad.
Earlier, 240 international organizations, academics, human rights activists, as well as US and European politicians, called for Gubad Ibadoglu's release. On April 22, he was released from the pre-trial detention center, where he had been held since July 23, 2023. The court ruled that his preventive measure was replaced by house arrest.

Gubad Ibadoglu was arrested on charges of selling counterfeit money and distributing extremist materials. The accused denies the investigation's arguments.

In addition, the day before, 18 international human rights organizations sent a letter to the new Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Bersi. They drew attention to the human rights situation in Azerbaijan and the mass arrests of journalists and activists.

"There are almost no independent civil society organizations left in the country. Leaders of independent media have been arrested, and the authorities have increased pressure on human rights defenders, as well as scientists and researchers. Repression is increasingly directed at young people," the letter emphasizes.

The text mentions activist Famil Khalilov, researcher Bahruz Samadov, economist Gubad Ibadoglu, and trade union activist Afieddin Mammadov.

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