Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC), highlighted recent reports that Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu—an imprisoned Azerbaijani economist and anti-corruption advocate, whom Smith sponsors through the Defending Freedoms Project—has been unable to obtain urgently needed medical testing and treatment for a potentially life-threatening condition.

                Dr. Ibadoghlu reportedly requires a contrast-enhanced CT scan to assess a potentially dangerous enlargement of his aorta. After waiting two weeks for a scheduled appointment on May 30^th, he was turned away from Yeni Klinika Hospital in Baku without examination because the hospital allegedly lacked the necessary contrast material.

                “We offer a humanitarian appeal to the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to ensure that Dr. Ibadoghlu receives immediate access to comprehensive medical care, lift all restrictions preventing him from seeking treatment abroad, and allow him to leave the country immediately,” said Smith.

Welcomes new U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan nomination

                Smith also welcomed President Trump's nomination of Alexander Alden as the next U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, who will fill the year-plus vacancy left by former U.S. Ambassador Mark Libby.

                “I am confident that Ambassador-designate Alden will be an outstanding advocate for Dr. Ibadoghlu and the hundreds of other political prisoners in Azerbaijan,” continued Smith.

                “The continued persecution of political prisoners, independent journalists, anti-corruption advocates, and other peaceful critics of the Azerbaijani government demands sustained U.S. attention.

                “In addition to ethnic Azerbaijani political prisoners, the U.S. government will continue to work to obtain the release of ethnic Armenian hostages, captives, and POWs still held by the government of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani authorities must act before it is too late,” he concluded.

                Smith has long advocated for Azerbaijanis persecuted for exposing official corruption and defending fundamental freedoms. Since 2023, he has chaired annual hearings on human rights abuses in Azerbaijan and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

                In 2015, Smith led a congressional hearing on the persecution of Azerbaijani investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova, and that same year, introduced the Azerbaijan Democracy Act of 2015 (HR 4264) to promote democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Azerbaijan.

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