Joint statement on the arrest of Gubad Ibadoghlu by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina KALJURAND, and the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Željana ZOVKO
Brussels/21.08.23/Turan: "We are seriously concerned by the arrest and rapidly deteriorating health of Mr Gubad Ibadoghlu, a well-known Azerbaijani scholar and opposition leader. Mr Ibadoghlu was arrested on 23 July 2023 on counterfeiting charges and remains in detention, reportedly with limited access to food and vitally needed medication, subject to humiliating treatment and strict limitations of contacts with his family and lawyer, in violation of his fundamental rights.
We call on the Azerbaijani authorities to provide him with urgently needed health care and medication without delay and we call for his immediate release.
The case of Gubad Ibadoghlu highlights the state of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan and its further deterioration in recent months, as noted in the European Parliament's resolution of 15 March 2023. Credible independent organisations currently list as many as 200 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, detained based on doubtful charges, including opposition politicians, as well as well-known independent journalists and civil rights activists, such as Polad Aslanov and Bakhtiyar Hajiyev.
In this context, we deplore also the ongoing criminal case against prominent human rights lawyer Elchin Sadiqov and the suspension of his bar license as of 6 July 2023.
We urge the immediate release of all political prisoners and the dropping of all politically motivated charges.
We call on the Azerbaijani authorities to uphold fundamental freedoms and human rights and we note that their continuous failure to do so significantly harms the country's international image and credibility”,- reads the statement. -0-
Politics
-
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has decided to unilaterally terminate the Moldovan-Russian agreement from 1998 on the creation and operation of cultural centers.
-
By the order of the head of state, Rufat Mahmud has been appointed the new head of the historical and architectural reserve "Icheri Sheher" – the historic center of Baku.
-
On February 13, the Appeal Court did not satisfy the defense's appeal against the decision of the Khatai Court regarding the arrest of journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi. According to the lawyer, the journalist herself did not participate in the trial due to poor health. The defense intends to submit a petition to replace the arrest with house arrest.
-
Azerbaijan will limit 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' and 'BBC News Azərbaycanca' editorial offices. This was reported by the country's pro-government media on 13 February, citing an informed source.
Leave a review