Influential U.S. Senator Joins Calls For Gubad Ibadoghlu's 'Immediate' Release

Washington D.C./07.10.23/Turan:     U.S. Senator from Delaware, Chris Coons, mostly known as one of President Joe Biden’s most influential global emissaries, on Friday joined his colleagues in urging the Azerbaijani government to immediately release Gubad Ibadoghlu, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"Renowned economist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu has been wrongfully detained by the Azerbaijani government since July," Senator Coons said in a statement.

"I am concerned by reports of Dr. Ibadoghlu's ill health and mistreatment in prison and stand with my colleagues in calling for his immediate and unequivocal release," he added.

Ibadoghlu, a respected economist who has advocated for democratic principles and socio-economic progress within Azerbaijan, was detained outside Baku on July 23.

He has been charged with the production of counterfeit money by an organized group, and with the preparation, storage and distribution of religious extremist materials, accusations that he strongly disputes.

He suffers from serious health conditions and is being denied access to vital medication and medical examinations

The Biden administration and congressional leaders, including about a dozen on Senators, have urged the Azerbaijani government to immediately release Ibadoghlu on humanitarian grounds.

Alex Raufoglu