German MP Launches Petition to Free Azerbaijani Scientist Ahead of COP29
Michael Bloss, a Member of the European Parliament from Germany, has initiated a signature campaign demanding the release of Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu, a prominent Azerbaijani economist and vocal critic of the country’s state-controlled oil and gas sector.
The campaign emerges as Azerbaijan prepares to host the COP29 World Climate Conference this year. Bloss criticized President Ilham Aliyev for allegedly financing his administration through the sale of fossil fuels, including suspected unauthorized sales of Russian gas to Europe, which may inadvertently support Russia’s ongoing military actions.
Dr. Ibadoglu, known for his outspoken stance against corruption and autocratic governance, was arrested by Azerbaijani authorities and is currently under house arrest. Despite suffering from heart disease and requiring urgent medical treatment abroad, he remains confined within the country.
Bloss’s petition calls on President Aliyev to cease repression against freedom and human rights defenders, emphasizing that detaining Dr. Ibadoglu undermines Azerbaijan’s credibility as the host of an international climate conference. The campaign also demands the immediate release of all political prisoners in Azerbaijan, the cessation of Russian gas transportation through the country, and the termination of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas production to align with global climate objectives.
“The climate crisis demands collective action and the free exchange of ideas,” Bloss stated. “Authoritarian actions that silence scientists and activists not only hinder our fight against climate change but also violate fundamental human rights.”
The petition highlights the intersection of climate protection and human rights, urging international support to defend both causes.
Politics
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On October 17, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they have eliminated three militants in the Gaza Strip, one of whom may be Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian movement “Hamas.” “At this stage, the identities of the terrorists have not been confirmed. No signs of hostages were found in the building where the terrorists were eliminated,” the IDF press service stated.
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The health of Famil Khalilov, a first-group disabled activist who has been on hunger strike for 65 days, has worsened in detention. His wife, Kichikhanim Khalilova, reported to Turan after visiting him on October 17 in the medical unit of the detention facility. "Famil's body is no longer accepting water. Today he tried to drink several times, but he vomited each time. He is experiencing severe abdominal pain, and his legs are cramping," Khalilova noted. According to her, medical staff have shown no interest in Khalilov's health this week. Attempts to obtain comments from the Penitentiary Service were unsuccessful.
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Sunná Evarsdóttir, the General Rapporteur of PACE on political prisoners, has expressed concern regarding the deteriorating health of Anar Mammadli, the head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Training Center, who is imprisoned in Azerbaijan. "I am troubled by reports of Anar Mammadli's worsening health and the lack of adequate medical treatment provided to him. As the General Rapporteur on political prisoners, I urge the Azerbaijani authorities to grant him immediate access to necessary medical care and to review the charges against him," she stated on the “X” platform.
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Public activist Nijat Ibrahim, after being detained, inflicted bodily injuries on himself due to attempts to force him to incriminate himself. Turan informed her friend Parvin Ibrahim about this. According to her, on September 9, her husband was detained by the police, and a criminal case was opened against him under Article 126.1 (intentional infliction of serious damage to health) of the Criminal Code. "The Nasimi district police put physical pressure on him to admit the charge. In protest, he took a stationery knife from the table and cut his throat to commit suicide. He was taken to the hospital, where his husband received 17 stitches.
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