Baku court fails to release G. Ibadoglu on property bail

Baku/27.10.23/Turan: Baku's Narimanov Court on 26 October rejected a petition to release opposition politician and academic economist Gubad Ibadoglu on bail.

"We applied for the release of Gubad Ibadoglu from custody due to serious health problems that may cause irreversible process," defence lawyer Zibeyda Sadigova told Turan.

Note that Gubad Ibadoglu has type II diabetes and the disease has progressed since his arrest. Increased dosage of medication has no effect.  In recent weeks, blood sugar levels have reached 360 mmol/l. In early October, Ibadoglu was prescribed insulin at a dose of 12 units and periodically increased. Today, he is being administered 18 units, however, the sugar level has not been normalised, the lawyer said.

Add that high sugar levels have negative effects on other organs - eyes and kidneys. Besides, the doctors found dehydration in the body.

On 13 October Ibadoglu underwent medical examinations at the Central Clinical Hospital, but so far the doctors have not prescribed treatment.

The defence asked the court to release him on property bail so that he could improve his health while at liberty.

"Unfortunately, once again our petition was not granted. We will file an appeal against the court's decision," the lawyer said.

*On 24 July, the Narimanov District Court of Baku arrested Gubad Ibadoglu for 3 months and 26 days on charges of making counterfeit money. The Azerbaijani Interior Ministry said Ibadoglu is linked to supporters of Fethullah Gulen, accused of a 2016 coup attempt in Turkey.

On 25 August, he was charged with another charge - "production, storage or distribution of religious extremist materials".

Gubad Ibadoglu rejects the charges, considering them absurd. Many international organisations and officials have called on official Baku to immediately release the politician. The European Parliament has called for sanctions against Azerbaijani officials because of Ibadoglu's persecution. -16B06-