Three Years Since Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu’s Detention
July 23, 2026, marks three years since the Azerbaijani authorities violently and arbitrarily detained internationally renowned economist, anti-corruption expert, and London School of Economics (LSE) professor Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu on politically motivated and baseless charges. To this day, Dr. Ibadoghlu has never received a fair trial.
Dr. Ibadoghlu Remains Under Indefinite House Arrest
Dr. Ibadoghlu remains under indefinite house arrest, under constant surveillance, barred from domestic and international travel, and required to report to the police twice a week.
His health has seriously deteriorated. He suffers from a worsening aortic aneurysm requiring urgent surgery, type 2 diabetes accompanied by chronically uncontrolled blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Doctors have warned that his life is at serious risk without urgent specialist medical intervention. Nevertheless, the travel ban imposed by the Azerbaijani authorities continues to prevent him from accessing the potentially lifesaving medical care he urgently needs abroad.
International Calls for Dr. Ibadoghlu’s Release
On the third anniversary of Dr. Ibadoghlu’s detention, calls for his release have drawn significant international attention.
Eighteen members of the U.S. House of Representatives and ten members of the U.S. Senate issued bipartisan statements demanding Dr. Ibadoghlu’s immediate release and calling on the Azerbaijani authorities to lift the travel ban imposed on him.
The calls were also supported by leading international human rights and anti-corruption organizations, including Amnesty International, Freedom Now, and Transparency International, which have joined the demand for Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu’s immediate and unconditional release.
The growing bipartisan and international pressure highlights continued concern over Dr. Ibadoghlu’s prolonged detention, restrictions on his fundamental freedoms, and the urgent risks posed to his health.
https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=725
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2026/7/tillis-coons-renew-call-for-release-of-dr-gubad-ibadoghlu
U.S. Congress Advances Bipartisan Support for Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu’s Immediate Release
A growing bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Azerbaijani economist and academic Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, with resolutions introduced in both chambers of Congress condemning his treatment by the Azerbaijani government.
H.Res.120 in the U.S. House of Representatives
H.Res.120, introduced in the House of Representatives on February 6, 2025, by Representative David Rouzer (R-NC), condemns the treatment of Dr. Ibadoghlu and urges his immediate release. The resolution currently has 56 cosponsors, including lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties. It was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The House resolution states that Dr. Ibadoghlu was arrested on July 23, 2023, and alleges that he was subjected to poor detention conditions, denied adequate medical treatment and repeatedly denied access to legal counsel and a fair trial. It calls for his immediate and unconditional release and urges the U.S. Secretary of State to continue prioritizing his well-being and release in engagements with the Azerbaijani government.
S.Res.398 in the U.S. Senate
In the Senate, S.Res.398 was introduced on September 17, 2025, by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC). It has four cosponsors — Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) — and was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The Senate resolution condemns the treatment of Dr. Ibadoghlu and other political prisoners in Azerbaijan, as well as the suppression of academic freedom and peaceful expression. It calls for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners, including Dr. Ibadoghlu, and urges U.S. government agencies, including the State and Treasury Departments, to make his well-being and release a priority in their engagements with Azerbaijan.
Bipartisan Concern Across Both Chambers of Congress
The two congressional initiatives demonstrate bipartisan concern in both chambers of the U.S. Congress over Dr. Ibadoghlu’s continued detention, restrictions on his freedom, and the broader human rights and academic freedom situation in Azerbaijan.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/120/text
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/120/cosponsors
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-resolution/398/text
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-resolution/398/cosponsors
