Gubad Ibadoghlu is a well-known academic and corruption expert who has focused his research on public financial management and good governance, which are unpopular topics among the Azerbaijani authorities. He and his wife, Irada Bayramova, were violently detained on July 23, 2023, near Baku, Azerbaijan, after they had returned to the country earlier in July to visit Dr. Ibadoghlu’s ailing mother. In the incident, the two were driving a car when it was rear-ended and surrounded by other vehicles. Approximately 20 people in masks emerged from the vehicles and roughed up Ibadoghlu and Bayramova, later taking them to a facility operated by the Main Directorate of Combatting Organized Crime. Ms. Bayramova was eventually released several hours later.

Dr. Ibadoghlu is falsely charged with crimes associated with counterfeit currency and extremist religious materials, charges he denies and which have yet been substantiated. If convicted, Dr. Ibadoghlu could face up to 17 years in prison. Dr. Ibadoghlu is presumably targeted because of his criticism of the Azerbaijani government’s corruption and economic policies, his affiliation with an unregistered opposition political party Azerbaijan Democracy and Prosperity Movement- and his founding of the Azerbaijani Youth Education Foundation in the UK with the goal of promoting young Azerbaijanis in higher education abroad.

In detention, Dr. Ibadoghlu’s health condition has deteriorated. He does not receive adequate medical help and treatment for his type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and back pain. 

On February 15, 2024, the Khatai District Court of Baku extended Dr. Ibadoghlu’s pre-trial detention for an additional three months. 

On April 22, 2024, the Nariman District Court in Baku City altered the preventive measure and released Dr. Ibadoghlu under house arrest. The court imposed several restrictions, including adhering to a curfew between 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.), wearing an electric monitoring device, responding to phone calls or other requests from supervisory state authorities, and not leaving Baku. 

Dr. Ibadoghlu’s health remains critical following his release from prison. According to his relatives, he needs urgent surgery and medical care abroad.

On July 29, 2024, the court presiding over Dr. Ibadoghlu's case issued an order to "freeze the proceedings until further notice," citing his ill-health as the key basis for the decision. The charges against him and the travel ban remain in place.