The arrest in Azerbaijan of opposition politician Gubad Ibadoglu is worrying and he needs to be released from prison. This was stated by the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW).

“The detention of Ibadoglu is entirely in line with a long-standing pattern of making dubious accusations against government critics in Azerbaijan. Such false accusations serve only one purpose - to silence the opposition and critical voices in the country. He should be released immediately,” said Giorgi Gogia, HRW Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia.

Gubad Ibadoglu - Chairman of the Azerbaijan Party of Democracy and Prosperity. He is known for his criticism of the government of the country and has previously taught political economy at various educational institutions in the United States and Europe. Ibadoglu is suspected of making, purchasing or selling counterfeit money. He denies all accusations against him.