The Coalition for Increased Transparency in the Mining industry demands the release of Gubad Ibadoglu

Baku/26.07.23/Turan: The Coalition for Increased Transparency in the Mining Industry has issued a statement in connection with the arrest of the well-known economist Gubad Ibadoglu.

The statement says that on  July 23, Gubad Ibadoglu, a well-known economist and Chairman of the ADR movement, was detained by the Main Organized Crime Department  (MOCD)of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, an action marked by special violence and property damage. A search was conducted at his office during the detention.

Both Gubad Ibadoglu and his wife, who was present during the police detention and held for 7 hours at the MOCD, endured harsh treatment, resulting in bodily injuries and psychological trauma. The authorities' actions blatantly violated the principles outlined in Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which unequivocally prohibit torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. It is crucial to note that Azerbaijan is a signatory to this Convention.

Official data indicates that during the search, certain necessary documents and $40,000 were found. Gubad Ibadoglu was charged under Article 204.3.1 of the Criminal Code, accused of being involved in the development, acquisition, or sale of large amounts of counterfeit money or securities. On July 24, the Narimanov District Court ordered his arrest for 3 months and 26 days. At present, MOCD employees are conducting searches at Gubad Ibadoglu's apartment and summer house.

The Coalition for Increasing Transparency in the Mining Industry firmly believes that the accusations against Gubad Ibadoglu lack a solid foundation and appear to be biased. The arrest appears to be directly linked to his position and socio-political activities, which have long involved critiquing the deeply corrupt administration and socio-economic policies of the authorities.

Gubad Ibadoglu is a renowned public and political figure in Azerbaijan, representing the nation with distinction for many years as an economist and professor at prestigious institutions such as the London School of Economics (LSE), Duke University in the United States, and Rutgers University. Furthermore, he is recognized as an expert scientist on transparency and holds a membership in the International Board of the esteemed organization EITI.

Given his significant contributions and international recognition, the Coalition for Increasing Transparency in the Mining Industry condemns the arrest of Gubad Ibadoglu. We demand his immediate release and stand united in calling for the protection of his rights as a respected scholar and public figure.