This week saw the last week of COP29 in Baku, including US Congressmen facing hostility and leaving the country and the German MFA criticizing Azerbaijan’s human rights record.
US Congressmen face hostility at COP29 and leave the country
U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone and Senator Edward Markey faced hostility during their visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the COP29. President Ilham Aliyev excluded Pallone from a meeting with American congressmen, citing his “pro-Armenian stance and anti-Azerbaijan activities”. Government-aligned NGOs protested against Pallone, accusing him of “anti-Azerbaijan propaganda”. Both Pallone and Markey left Azerbaijan, criticizing the government’s actions and the poor state of human rights.
Pallone described the Azerbaijani government as a “tyrannical regime” and vowed to continue advocating for the rights of Armenians, including the release of Armenian prisoners and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenian lands. Markey echoed these sentiments, labeling the human rights situation in Azerbaijan as “terrible” and criticizing the country’s hosting of COP29 given its human rights record.
Upon returning to the U.S., both congressmen held a press conference, expressing disappointment in President Aliyev’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue about regional peace and human rights. They also sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to press Azerbaijan for reforms and to stop human rights violations before the COP29 summit.
Global academics demand the release of Gubad Ibadoglu during COP29
159 professors and teachers from 100 universities across 28 countries have petitioned Muxtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and the president of COP29, demanding the immediate release of economist Gubad Ibadoglu. Detained since July 23, 2023, Ibadoglu faces charges under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, which he deems fabricated, including accusations of handling counterfeit currency and distributing extremist religious materials.
The coalition’s letter highlights Ibadoglu’s deteriorating health, including severe diabetes and critical heart and kidney issues, exacerbated by inadequate medical care during his detention. The academics emphasized Ibadoglu’s contributions to anti-corruption efforts and promoting transparency in the fossil fuel industry, arguing that his expertise is vital amidst Azerbaijan’s hosting of the COP29 climate conference.
The signatories are pressing for a transparent review of the charges against Ibadoglu, improved access to medical services, and his unconditional release. Recently, on April 22, 2024, Ibadoglu’s pre-trial detention was substituted with house arrest. Despite this, he has paused his political activities due to health concerns.
Baerbock criticizes Azerbaijan’s rights record during COP29
During the COP29 climate conference in Baku, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock criticized Azerbaijan’s human rights situation, describing it as “deplorable.” Baerbock, addressing the media on November 21, expressed concerns over the imprisonment of climate activists, journalists, and opposition members in Azerbaijan. She emphasized that these issues would be discussed with the Azerbaijani government.
Baerbock stated, “Germany supports the release of government critics and will raise this issue in meetings with Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry.” She highlighted ongoing political discussions between Germany and Azerbaijan, where human rights have always been a critical topic.
Baerbock also mentioned specific cases, including the travel ban on Gubad Ibadoglu and the unacceptable entry bans imposed by Azerbaijan on 76 members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, affecting members of the German Bundestag.
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