Tillis, Durbin Lead Resolution Calling for the Release of Azerbaijani Anti-Corruption Activist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu

Sep 17 2025

Tillis, Durbin Lead Resolution Calling for the Release of Azerbaijani Anti-Corruption Activist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Co-Chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a resolution commending recent diplomatic progress in peace accords between Armenia and Azerbaijan while condemning Azerbaijan's continued wrongful detention of political prisoners, including economist and academic Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu.

The resolution urges the Department of State to prioritize Dr. Ibadoghlu's well-being and release, denounces the suppression of academic freedom and peaceful expression, and stresses that genuine peace requires Azerbaijan to demonstrate good faith by upholding international norms and ending the practice of political imprisonment.

"As Co-Chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I welcome the recent diplomatic progress in the South Caucasus, but true peace requires respect for human rights," said Senator Tillis. "With the eyes of the world on Baku during the Formula 1 Grand Prix, now is the time for Azerbaijan to show progress and responsibility on the world stage by releasing Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu and ending the practice of political imprisonment. This resolution underscores our commitment to ensuring that those who speak out for freedom and democracy are protected, not silenced."

"Despite America's dangerous and troubling retreat from the global stage at the behest of the Trump Administration, the United States remains a beacon of hope by those trapped under brutal regimes and for all who seek to enjoy the freedoms of democracy," said Senator Durbin. "As a U.S. Senator, I have used my voice to urge the release of political prisoners languishing in jails of repressive regimes around the world, including Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, who was wrongfully detained in Azerbaijan due to his anti-corruption work. I'm glad to partner with Senator Tillis on this important resolution calling for Dr. Ibadoghlu's immediate release."

Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

###