US Senator Dick Durbin sharply criticized the Azerbaijani authorities for persecuting economist and anti-corruption fighter Gubad Ibadoglu. According to Durbin, Ibadoglu became a victim of political persecution due to his investigations into corruption in the oil and gas industry of Azerbaijan.

The US senator recalled the forced detention of the Azerbaijani figure and his wife in 2023, cruel treatment in prison, and denial of medical and legal assistance. Despite being transferred to house arrest in April 2024, Ibadoglu remains deprived of a fair trial and necessary assistance, and his family continues to experience pressure. Durbin called on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately release Ibadoglu and said that the United States will monitor the situation.

“He is just one of many people unjustly imprisoned in Azerbaijan. He must be released immediately. If representatives of the Baku embassy are watching this presentation, we ask you: do something to free this man. We will be watching. And we hope that you do the right thing,” Durbin said.

In 2023, Gubad Ibadoglu was arrested on charges of selling counterfeit money, as well as under the article on distributing extremist materials. The accused rejects the arguments of the investigation.