Freedom for Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and all political prisoners

Today, Members of the European Parliament are debating the persecution of opposition figures, journalists and human rights activists in Azerbaijan, ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku in November. President Ilham Aliyev finances his dictatorship with the sale of fossil fuels.  

The Greens/EFA have nominated Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu for this year's Sakharov Prize for  Freedom of Thought and welcome the fact that the renowned economist and leading critic of the state oil and gas industry has been shortlisted. Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu is under house arrest after being sentenced to prison. 

Sergey Lagodinsky MEP, Greens/EFA member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and shadow rapporteur for the Azerbaijan resolution, comments:

“President Ilham Aliyev's system is based on gas and oil revenue and the suppression of dissent. The situation for opposition activists, journalists and human rights activists in Azerbaijan is catastrophic. Before international attention turns to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, opposition and civil society are being silenced. 

“On a separate note, it is also clear to us that, in view of the ongoing peace talks with Armenia, we expect Azerbaijan to show a willingness to compromise and refrain from provocations and threatening behaviour.”

Markéta Gregorová MEP, Greens/EFA MEP who nominated Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu for the Sakharov Prize, comments: 

“We call for the release of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and all political prisoners. The EU delegation at the climate conference must condemn the catastrophic human rights situation in Azerbaijan in no uncertain terms. Our group has nominated Dr Ibadoghlu for his work on anti-corruption and standing up to the oppression of the Azerbaijani regime. It is vital that we recognise and support the struggle of the Azerbaijani opposition ahead of the COP29 conference in Baku.”

More:

• The plenary debate on the ‘Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia’ can be followed live this afternoon here. 

• The resolution will be voted on Thursday (24 October). 

• The decision on the awarding of the Sakharov Prize 2024 will be announced in plenary on Thursday (24 October). 

• The UN Climate Change Conference COP29 will take place from 11 to 22 November in Azerbaijan.