As of March 29, 2024, Gubad Ibadoghlu, an economist and anticorruption activist, has been arbitrarily detained in Azerbaijan’s prison system for 250 days. Despite a massive international campaign to free him, the Azerbaijani authorities continue to hold Gubad on spurious charges, denying him critical medical care and keeping him in inhumane and unsanitary conditions. Gubad is suffering from type two diabetes and hypertension, which have worsened during his time in prison. He has difficulty walking, is losing his vision, and has lost over 15 kilos. Gubad’s detention has been extended twice since he was imprisoned, leaving him in legal limbo as the state “investigates further” the trumped-up charges against him.

As COP 29 approaches, rather than demonstrating a commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles, the Azerbaijani authorities have lashed out against civil society, imprisoning over a dozen independent journalists since the fall of 2023. Charged with accusations similar to those made against Gubad, these individuals languish in pre-trial detention as he does.

We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Gubad Ibadoghlu and the other arbitrarily detained political prisoners in Azerbaijan. We urge western governments, corporations, financial institutions, and international organizations to demand the same.

#freegubad

Crude Accountability joins over 150 civil society organizations across the globe in condemning Azerbaijan's decision to include the state oil company (SOCAR) on the COP29 organising committee, as well as the aggressive crackdown on independent media and dissenting voices.

Read the letters below:

Stop big oil influence & protect human rights at Azerbaijan climate summit, over 150 organizations demand

Crackdown on free expression escalates: International organisations denounce latest wave of arrests in Azerbaijan

Fossil fuels, corruption, and failing climate commitments are the face of the COP29 Host, Azerbaijan. In our recent blog entry, “Human Rights and Climate Crisis: Azerbaijan to Host COP29,” we get to the facts about the country’s lack of concern for environmental health and the ongoing suppression of civil society.

#cop29baku

The Washington Post Editorial Board examines the Azerbaijani authorities' cruel persecution of Gubad Ibadoghlu, demanding his immediate release, along with all the journalists and political prisoners held hostage by the Aliyev regime.

Read the full article here.

Crude Accountability joins 30 other civil society organizations in urging Kyrgyzstan's President Japarov to veto the amendments to the Law on Non-commercial Organizations and to protect civil society in Kyrgyzstan.

Read the letter here.

Crude Accountability continues to publish its series of Expert Recommendations for the OSCE on Climate. Our new paper, authored by emerging environmental voices, sheds light on the critical issue of water scarcity and its impact on the agriculture sector in Azerbaijan, particularly affecting rural communities.

Impact of Water Scarcity on Rural Communities in Azerbaijan by Rasul Alizada & Mahammad Zeynalli

#WorldWaterDay

Crude Accountability turned 21 years old! As we celebrate another year committed to the principles of transparency, cooperation, and scientific inquiry, we continue to defend vulnerable communities in the Caspian and Black Sea regions, and beyond, against the exploitation of big oil and kleptocracies.

Stay up to date with our latest work on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and YouTube.