U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, Chair of a United States congressional Global Human Rights subcommittee and the Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, is calling on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to release Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a well-known Azerbaijani economist and academic whose health has significantly deteriorated after he was unjustly arrested on July 23 in Baku.

            Professor Ibadoghlu has been a vocal critic of the current government and has worked to increase transparency and hold leaders to account in Azerbaijan.  

            “Dr. Ibadoghlu is imprisoned under life-threating circumstances without the medicines needed to control acute diabetes, a throat infection, and high blood pressure—clean water is denied, food is denied, and he forcibly shares a cell with dangerous criminals,” said Rep. Smith. “Dr. Ibadoghlu’s lawyer has observed rapid weight loss and other signs that his health is declining precipitously.”

            “Dr. Ibadoghlu needs immediate medical attention,” said Smith. “If he dies while being unjustly held in prison or if his health is permanently damaged, President Aliyev will bear full responsibility.”

            “Up to now President Aliyev has been responsible for grave human rights abuses—yet not targeting an individual for intentional or reckless killing,” Smith continued. “Along with many members of international civil society, I appeal to Aliyev to set Dr. Ibadoghlu free so that he can get the life-saving medical care he urgently needs.”

            Dr. Ibadoghlu’s scholarship has included research on corruption in Azerbaijan. His release has been called for by many members of international civil society and the Washington Post. The government of Azerbaijan claims to be investigating him for counterfeiting.

            A leading voice pushing for fundamental human rights globally, Chairman  Smith has long advocated on behalf of Azerbaijanis persecuted by their own government for exposing official corruption including blogger Mehman Huseynov in 2015 and 2019.  

            In December 2015 Smith chaired the hearing, “Azerbaijan’s Persecution of RFE/RL Reporter Khadija Ismayilova.” In that same year, Smith introduced the Azerbaijan Democracy Act to promote the rule of law and respect for human rights in that country. He has visited Azerbaijan on several human rights missions.

###