The Azerbaijan National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum strongly condemns the arrest of Gubad Ibadoghlu on July 23, 2023, who is currently a member and previously served as the national coordinator from 2012 to 2014 and demands his immediate release.

Furthermore, the National Platform declares that the use of force and inhumane treatment against Gubad Ibadoghlu and his spouse Irade Bayramova by the officers of the Internal Affairs Ministry's Main Department for Combating Organized Crime during their detention is unacceptable, and calls upon the government to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into this matter.

Apart from this, the National Platform vehemently condemns the decision of the Narimanov district court on Gubad Ibadoghlu's pre-trial detention for a period of 3 months and 26 days, dated July 24, 2023.

The National Platform believes that Gubad Ibadoghlu's arrest is related to his political activities, continuous criticism of the government's economic policies, and his increased involvement in the 'Democracy and Prosperity' Party, which he currently chairs, as well as his previous initiatives.

In addition, the National Platform highlights that following the enforcement of the new law on political parties on January 11, 2023, the political environment in the country has further deteriorated, leading to the cessation of the activities of many political parties due to significant restrictions and pressure.

Considering the above-mentioned, we, the National Platform, call upon the Azerbaijani government to put an end to baseless persecution of political activists and to immediately release Gubad Ibadoghlu.

Lastly, we urge the attention of the European Political Community to ensure the development of an inclusive political environment for civic society and political parties, thereby supporting democracy, freedom of expression, and human rights principles in Azerbaijan.