The Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Gubad Ibadoglu demanded the release of the politician

Baku/14.10.23/Turan: The Public Committee for the Protection of the Rights of opposition politician and economist Gubad Ibadoglu demanded his immediate release from prison.

This demand was voiced at today's press conference of committee members.

As Chairman of the National Council of Democratic Forces Jamil Hasanli emphasized, Ibadoglu’s case has gained international resonance.

Representatives of Western political and academic circles called for his release.

In particular, many US congressmen and senators, representatives of the State Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Great Britain, the European Union, the Council of Europe, the UN and other international organizations spoke out in defense of Ibadoglu.

Ibadoglu's lawyer Bahruz Bayramov said that about 20 court hearings have been held in the politician's case, but the defense's petitions and complaints remain unsatisfied.

He also pointed out that Ibadoglu's accusations, and in particular, allegations of his ties to the FETÖ organization, led by Turkish preacher Fethullah Gülen, are unfounded.

“Firstly, Azerbaijan does not recognize the FETÖ organization as a terrorist organization. Secondly, Gubad Ibadoglu had no connection with the FETÖ organization, much less was not a member of this organization. In general, membership in the FETÖ organization or possession of its literature does not create any criminal liability. If the FETÖ organization is criminal, then the Milli Majlis should have adopted the corresponding law and declared this organization a terrorist organization,” the lawyer said.

At the press conference, information was presented on the steps taken by the defense committee to release Gubad Ibadoglu.

The politician’s brother Galib Bayramov expressed concern about his brother’s health.

“Unfortunately, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross did not visit Gubad Ibadoglu. Although they visited the Baku pre-trial detention center, they did not meet with him,” Bayramov said.

The ICRC told him a month ago that they were visiting the Baku pre-trial detention center, but they were being denied a meeting with Ibadoglu. In this regard, the ICRC contacted the leadership of the Penitentiary Service, but there are still no results.

*On July 24, the Narimanov District Court of Baku arrested Gubad Ibadoglu for 3 months and 26 days on charges of making counterfeit money. The Azerbaijani Interior Ministry said that Ibadoglu is associated with supporters of Fethullah Gulen, accused of an attempted coup in 2016 in Turkey.

On August 25, he was charged with another charge - "production, storage or distribution of religious extremist materials."

Gubad Ibadoglu denies the accusations, considering them absurd. Many international organizations and officials have called on official Baku to immediately release the politician. The European Parliament called for sanctions against Azerbaijani officials because of the persecution of Ibadoglu. ---21B06---