CSOs EITI Board Members' Statement re detention of Gubad Ibadoghlu

We unequivocally demand the immediate and unconditional release of Gubad Ibadoghlu from his wrongful arrest and the immediate dismissal of all fabricated charges against him.

The civil society constituency of the EITI Board is profoundly disturbed by the news of Gubad Ibadoghlu's arrest. For numerous years, he dedicated himself to enhancing transparency and accountability of the extractive sector in Azerbaijan, Central Asian countries and globally. His long-standing membership in the EITI Board led to the development of international standards for transparency and effective management in the mining industry.

We urgently call for the release of Gubad Ibadoghlu, considering two paramount factors. Firstly, Gubad’s brutal and violent detention, in full disregard of legal procedures, and his subsequent arrest on apparently fabricated charges occurred in response to Gubad's active political activities, in which he has regularly criticized the current regime. Secondly, his health renders him particularly vulnerable in the harsh conditions of detention and makes it extremely difficult for him to defend his innocence. According to his wife’s statement, Gubad has been denied access to essential medication for some time despite suffering from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other life-threatening internal ailments. These dire circumstances pose a grave risk to his life.

We appeal to the companies and governments supporting the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, highlighting the EITI's fundamental commitment to human rights, including the right to protect one's honor and dignity. We ask you to use your contacts and connections to convey to the authorities of Azerbaijan the demand to release Gubad Ibadoghlu immediately.

We would urge members of the EITI Community to request the European Court of Justice to urgently consider Gubad’s imprisonment, and for it to pronounce on these matters. It is incumbent upon us to stand in support of public activists who face persecution due to political reasons. We firmly believe that Gubad Ibadoghlu, a valuable member of the EITI international team, has been unjustly targeted for his political stance. We ask you not only to safeguard his honor and dignity but also to protect his life, which remains perilously endangered during his unjust detention.

We ask all stakeholders to join forces in securing the immediate release of Gubad Ibadoghlu, provide him with appropriate medical attention and in advocating for justice and human rights in this distressing situation. Your support is critical in ensuring a fair and just outcome for a man who has tirelessly contributed to the cause of transparency and effective governance in the mining sector.