Senators Coons, Tillis, colleagues issue bipartisan call for immediate release of renowned economist Gubad Ibadoghlu and express concern over state of human rights in Azerbaijan

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) released the following statement today:

"Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Azerbaijani government's unjust detainment of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu - a world-respected economist and academic with close ties to American universities - on false charges of manufacturing counterfeit foreign currency and possessing extremist materials. After a year, the Azerbaijanis have yet to provide Dr. Ibadoghlu with legal counsel, a fair trial, or basic care. We are deeply concerned for Dr. Ibadoghlu's welfare as he faces mistreatment and inhumane conditions, including the denial of appropriate medical care despite his deteriorating health.

"Like many human rights defenders in Azerbaijan, Dr. Ibadoghlu has demonstrated a tireless commitment to promoting democracy, good governance, and human rights both in his home country of Azerbaijan and in the United States, where he has lived and worked. We strongly condemn the Azerbaijani government's treatment of Dr. Ibadoghlu and call for his immediate and unequivocal release so that he may be reunited with his wife, Irada, and his children, Zhala, Ibad, and Emin."

Senators Coons and Tillis are Co-Chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus.