In a joint effort, 21 Senators and Representatives have penned a letter to Antony Blinken, expressing deep concern and calling for immediate action to help Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a prominent economist and academic currently detained in Azerbaijan.

The Plight of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu:
Dr. Ibadoghlu and his wife were forcefully abducted by masked individuals near Baku, Azerbaijan, leaving him in the custody of the Azerbaijani government. For over two months, he has been subjected to inhumane prison conditions, denied access to vital medical care, and exposed to torture. Urgent intervention is required to prevent further deterioration of his health and ensure his well-being.

Transnational Repression and Intimidation:
The Azerbaijani government’s efforts to suppress and silence Dr. Ibadoghlu’s family members, both in Azerbaijan and the United States, are deeply concerning. Instances of ransacking and fabrication of evidence highlight the need for the United States to take a firm stance against transnational repression and protect academics and civil society.

Dr. Ibadoghlu’s Contributions and Ties to the United States:
As a highly respected member of the international community, Dr. Ibadoghlu has made significant contributions to research and has strong ties to various American universities. His expertise in public financial management, natural resource extraction, and corruption has benefited both academia and society at large.

Call to Action:
The Senators and Representatives express their solidarity with Dr. Ibadoghlu and urge the Biden administration to utilize all diplomatic leverage to advocate for his release, access to medical care, and communication with his family and associates. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of addressing the wider human rights concerns within Azerbaijan, including political imprisonments, restrictions on NGOs, and limitations on freedom of the media.

The detention of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu highlights the urgent need for international attention to the human rights violations in Azerbaijan. The joint efforts of these Senators and Representatives serve as a powerful call to action, urging the United States and the international community to stand against repression and fight for justice and freedom. It is crucial to protect the rights and well-being of individuals like Dr. Ibadoghlu and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Christopher A. Coons United States SenatorThom Tillis United States SenatorU.S. Senator Bill CassidyU.S. Senator Cory A. Booker Christopher H. Smith Member of CongressJames P. McGovern Member of CongressSteve Cohen Member of CongressJoaquin Castro member of CongressJamie Raskin Member of CongressRichard J. Durbin United States SenatorJeanne Shaheen United States SenatorJim Costa Member of CongressMarc A. Veasey Member of CongressGerald E. Connolly Member of CongressAlex Padilla United States SenatorBradley Scott Schneider Member of Congress

Thom Tillis United States Senator, Christopher A. Coons United States Senator, Ted Bud United States Senator Tim Kaine, United States Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. United States Senator Cory A. Booker United States Senator, Christopher H. Smith Member of Congress, James P. McGovern Member of Congress,Frank Pallone, Jr. Member of Congress, Steve Cohen Member of Congress, Joaquin Castro ember of Congress, Jamie Raskin Member of Congress, Richard J. Durbin United States Senator, Jeanne Shaheen United States Senator, Jim Costa Member of Congress, Marc A. Veasey Member of Congress, Gerald E. Connolly Member of Congress Alex Padilla United States Senator ,Bradley Scott Schneider Member of Congress