One year has passed since the arrest of Qubad Ibadoğlu

One year ago, on July 23, 2023, a professor at the London School of Economics, Qubad Ibadoğlu, was disgracefully detained along with his wife while returning to their residence in the Novkhani settlement from Sumgayit. Their car was surrounded by 5-6 vehicles, and they were apprehended by about 20 individuals in civilian clothes. During the arrest, both he and his wife, Irada Bayramova, faced physical violence. They were abducted and taken to the Main Department for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Seven hours later, Irada Bayramova was released, and after 274 days, Qubad Ibadoğlu was freed. Following numerous local and international appeals, his detention was replaced with house arrest on April 22, 2024. Until May 20, he was required to wear an ankle monitor. On May 21, the house arrest was replaced with police supervision by the investigator's decision, and the investigation period was extended by another three months (until August 20).

On September 14, 2023, and April 24, 2024, the European Parliament adopted resolutions calling for his immediate and unconditional release. The U.S. Department of State has repeatedly issued statements demanding his release. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the British and European Parliaments, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe have expressed concern over his arrest and called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release him unconditionally. Over 100 professors from prestigious universities in the U.S., U.K., and Germany have appealed to the leaders of their respective countries for his release. On September 12, 2023, on his 52nd birthday, civil society activists held protests in 52 countries. Representatives of 240 non-governmental organizations and academic circles from 88 countries sent an open letter calling for Qubad Ibadoğlu's freedom. During the climate summit in Bonn from July 3-13, COP29, buildings in the city were illuminated with his photo projections. Most global human rights and anti-corruption organizations have issued statements and written letters to the Azerbaijani government calling for his release.

Despite serious health issues, Qubad Ibadoğlu is currently under a travel ban, preventing him from receiving necessary medical care abroad. He is charged under Article 204.3.1 of the Criminal Code (preparation, acquisition, or sale of counterfeit money or securities) on July 24, 2023, and under Article 167-3.1 (preparation, storage, or dissemination of religious extremist materials) on August 25, 2023. These charges could result in a maximum sentence of up to 17 years. Qubad Ibadoğlu has been isolated from his family and work for a year. He maintains that the charges against him are baseless and politically motivated, aimed at punishing him for his activities.