Rights Groups Urge Azerbaijan to Free Scholar on International Day Against Torture

Advocacy groups Publish What You Pay and Crude Accountability have raised alarm on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture over the condition of Azerbaijani scholar Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, urging the government of Azerbaijan to allow him immediate travel abroad for critical medical treatment.

Dr. Ibadoghlu, a distinguished political economist and advocate against corruption, has been under house arrest in Baku since April 22, following nine months of detention pending trial. His arrest on July 23, 2023, on what are widely viewed as unfounded charges, has been accompanied by deteriorating health exacerbated by conditions that reportedly fail to meet international standards. His urgent medical needs, including treatment for a severe aortic condition, have been consistently denied by Azerbaijani authorities despite international appeals.

Rights groups argue that Azerbaijan's treatment of Dr. Ibadoghlu constitutes cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, violations prohibited by the UN Convention Against Torture and other international agreements the country has ratified.

The groups are urging Azerbaijan's international partners, including attendees at the upcoming UN Climate Change conference in Baku, to press for Dr. Ibadoghlu's unrestricted travel for medical care and the dismissal of all charges against him. They are also calling for broader advocacy on behalf of other detained human rights defenders, journalists, and activists facing politically motivated charges in Azerbaijan.

This appeal underscores the necessity for coordinated international pressure from entities such as the European Union, the Council of Europe, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and businesses with interests in Azerbaijan. Their involvement is crucial to ensuring Azerbaijan's adherence to international human rights standards.