We heard today that the prominent Azerbaijani economist, Gubad Ibadoghlu, has been arrested on fabricated charges while on a short visit to Baku to tend to his ailing mother. Dr. Ibadoghlu is a well-known opposition politician, economist, and chair of the Azerbaijan Democracy and Prosperity Movement.
Currently, a senior visiting scholar at the London School of Economics, Center for European Studies, Dr. Ibadoghlu is fondly remembered at CSEEES from his time as a visiting scholar here and at Duke. We understand that both Dr. Ibadoghlu and his wife were severely beaten at the time of the arrest. Dr. Ibadoglu remains in detention where he is being denied access to medication and his health is deteriorating.
We at the Center and all who care about human rights in Azerbaijan call on the Azerbaijani authorities to release Dr. Ibadoghlu immediately so his medical condition can be addressed. Please join us in reaching out to your Congressional representatives and any others you think might be able to exercise influence to help Dr. Ibadoghlu and his family.
News story: Prominent Azerbaijani Oppositionist Arrested, Allegedly Tortured (Eurasianet)