U.S. Scholars Urge Action for Azerbaijani Economist's Medical Care

A group of academics and researchers have called on U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to intervene in the case of Azerbaijani economist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, who is under house arrest in Baku. The letter, signed by over 50 scholars, highlights the deteriorating health of Dr. Ibadoghlu and requests urgent action to allow him to receive medical care abroad.

Dr. Ibadoghlu, a prominent economist, was arrested on July 23, 2023, on charges considered by many to be politically motivated. After spending 274 days in detention under harsh conditions, he is now awaiting trial on August 20, 2024. The letter emphasizes that his health has severely declined during his detention, with a critical expansion of the aorta in his heart posing a significant risk to his life.

The signatories of the letter, including prominent figures from institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Columbia University, argue that Dr. Ibadoghlu does not have access to adequate medical care in Azerbaijan. They urge Secretary Blinken to press Azerbaijani authorities to lift his travel ban, drop the charges against him, and allow him to seek necessary medical treatment abroad.

The letter is signed by a diverse group of academics, including Arien Mack, Founder & Director of the New University in Exile Consortium, and Abdul Aziz Mohibbi of Maynooth University. They collectively stress the importance of immediate U.S. diplomatic intervention to secure Dr. Ibadoghlu's health and well-being.

The plea comes amid increasing international scrutiny of Azerbaijan's human rights record and treatment of political detainees. The U.S. State Department has yet to respond to the letter.

Global Scholers on behalf of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu