Baku/18.11.23/Turan: The Board of the Azerbaijan Democratic Welfare Party (ADR) issued a statement in which it strongly condemns the extension of the pretrial detention of Professor Gubad Ibadoglu, a well-known public and political figure, chairman of the ADR party, economist and professor at many prestigious universities Worldwide.
The statement, published on November 18, 2023, highlights the circumstances of Ibadoglu's arrest, which occurred on July 23, 2023. The ADR party claims that he was detained on unfounded, fictitious charges, without any legal basis. Subsequently, on July 24, 2023, the Narimanovsky District Court sentenced him to 3 months and 26 days in prison. Despite the expiration of the established period of pre-trial detention, the investigative body did not carry out any substantive investigative actions during this time. ADR claims that this inaction was a deliberate tactic designed to subject Ibadoglu to severe physical and psychological suffering given his precarious state of health.
Concerns about Gubad Ibadoglu's life-threatening condition have caused a global outcry in the progressive world community. Various international organizations, influential academic circles, leading states and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) have expressed concern about his health. However, the Azerbaijani authorities not only refrained from releasing him, but also consistently rejected requests and complaints aimed at restoring his violated rights during 25 court hearings held during his previous pre-trial detention, all without legal grounds.
Despite the lack of any significant progress in the investigation, on November 16, 2023, the pre-trial detention of Professor Gubad Ibadoglu was extended for another 3 months.
The ADR board firmly states that the arrest of Professor Gubad Ibadoglu was “politically motivated” and carried out “by the direct political will of President Ilham Aliyev.” ADR claims his arrest is linked to exposure of alleged corruption within Azerbaijan's ruling elite. It also alleges that these actions are part of the regime's efforts to eliminate potential future political rivals through misuse of government resources.
ADR also believes that Ibadoglu's arrest, carried out without legal grounds, was also aimed at inciting fear in society.
ADR calls for the immediate cessation of all illegal actions against Ibadoglu and his release.
ADR called on the authorities to refrain from “unconstitutional actions”, put an end to the persecution of political opponents and immediately release all political prisoners.—0—
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