Gubad Ibadoglu's messages from Kurdakhany detention centre

Baku/23.12.23/Turan: Arrested Chairman of the Democracy and Welfare Party, academic economist Gubad Ibadoglu has sent messages from the Kurdakhany pre-trial detention centre due to the snap Presidential election scheduled for 7 February.

Ibadoglu's messages were published on his facebook page by Party Board member Adalat Yusub.

Ibadoglu called for the release of all political prisoners, the registration of the Democracy and Prosperity Party, and the creation of normal conditions for the opposition to operate.
He also demanded to return the Party's office and seized documents, put an end to pressure on free media and independent journalists, and create a competitive democratic environment for elections.
*24 July Baku's Narimanov District Court arrested Gubad Ibadoglu for 3 months and 26 days on charges of making counterfeit money. Azerbaijan's 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 - "manufacturing, storage or distribution of religious extremist materials".
On 16 November, the court extended Gubad Ibadoglu's arrest for another three months.

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