U.S. 'Alarmed' By Reports That Gubad Ibadoghlu's Health Continues To Deteriorate

Washington D.C./31.10.23/Turan:    The United States on Tuesday once again urged the Azerbaijani government to immediately release Gubad Ibadoghlu, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"We continue to be troubled by the arrest and detention of Gubad Ibadoglu, and we are alarmed by the reports that his health continues to deteriorate," State Department's Spokesperson Matthew Miller told a daily press briefing when responding to TURAN's questions.

He went on to add, "We have urged the Azerbaijani Government on a number of occasions to immediately release him. We urge Azerbaijan to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, consistent with its own constitution and international obligations and commitments, and we have made that clear both publicly and privately"

Ibadoghlu, a respected economist who has advocated for democratic principles and socio-economic progress within Azerbaijan, was detained outside Baku on July 23 on charge of counterfeiting after police claimed they found forged bills worth $40,000 in his abandoned apartment, an accusation that he categorically disputes.

Ibadoghlu's health is severely deteriorating during his detention, according to his family. 

Both the U.S, UK and EU have urged Azerbaijan to protect his human rights and fundamental freedoms and to release him on humanitarian grounds. 

Several American lawmakers recently sent a letter to Secretary Antony Blinken urging the State Department to advocate for Dr. Ibadoghlu’s release.

Alex Raufoglu