In Support of Gubad Ibadoghlu

    Statement from the Civil Society Members of the EITI Germany (DEITI) in Support of Gubad Ibadoghlu

    The undersigned Civil Society members of the EITI Germany MSG express their deep concern for the arrest of economist and civil activist Gubad Ibadoghlu in Azerbaijan. Dr. Ibadoghlu has been a relentless champion of transparency and a key, active stakeholder in Azerbaijan’s EITI journey.

    We are deeply disturbed by the reports we heard of the violent nature of his arrest, the harsh conditions of his detention, and the denial of access to medical services reported by his family in light of his rapidly deteriorating health. We urge the Azerbaijan authorities to uphold and respect the rights of civil society actors and the principles of freedom of expression and association. We urgently call for his release, for due process to be followed, in accordance with international best practice, and for measures to ensure his health and safety. We stand in solidarity with Dr. Ibadoughlu and others like him who promote transparency values at great personal risk. In solidarity,

    Members of the German EITI Civil Society MSG:

    • Forum on Environment & Development
    • Green Budget Germany
    • Open Knowledge Foundation Deutschland e.V.
    • Stiftung Arbeit und Umwelt der Industriegewerkschaft Bergbau, Chemie, Energie
    • Transparency International Deutschland e.V.

    Further information:

    More on the life of Gubad Ibadoghlu
    06 Aug 2023 Washington Post The kleptocracy strikes back. An Azerbaijani economist should be freed.
    14 Sep 2023 the European Parliament adopted an urgent resolution (voting: 539 for, 6 against, and 24 abstentions) on the case of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, demanding his immediate and unconditional release, and called for “EU sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime to be imposed on Azerbaijani officials who have committed serious human rights violations.”
    14 Sep 2023 Guardian Health of LSE academic detained in Azerbaijan at risk, say family
    15 Nov 2023 Financial Times West puts energy deals before plight of jailed Azerbaijani, his family says
    Statement from the Civil Society Members of the OGP Steering Committee in Support of Gubad Ibadoghlu
    PWYP statement
    Recent work by Gubad An Assessment of the Potential of EU-Azerbaijan Energy Cooperation and its Impact on EU Gas Dependence on Russia