David Rouzer, Representative of North Carolina, said that the United States remains committed to supporting Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu’s release and denounced his ongoing detention in Azerbaijan. The statement was made on X.
“Two years ago today, July 23, 2023, Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu was unjustly imprisoned in Azerbaijan. His freedom is still being denied,” said David Cheston Rouzer, U.S. Representative from North Carolina. “I strongly condemn his politically motivated detention and stand with all those fighting for his release. My bipartisan resolution, H.Res. 120, calls for his immediate and unconditional release and I’ve personally urged Secretary Rubio to stay resolute in this effort. The support from my colleagues makes clear: the U.S. will not stay silent – we will keep working until Dr. Ibadoghlu is free.”
Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, an Azerbaijani economist and opposition leader, has been detained since July 2023 on charges condemned by international groups and the U.S. Congress as politically motivated. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, his case has led to House Resolution 736 and broad calls from the U.S. and human rights organizations demanding his release and increased pressure on Azerbaijan’s government.
According to a 2024 Human Rights Watch report, Azerbaijan currently holds at least 200 political prisoners, including opposition figures, journalists, and activists. This places it among the region’s worst countries for political detentions and ongoing human rights abuses.
A 2024 Congressional Research Service review indicates that the U.S. Congress has passed or debated over 35 resolutions on international political detentions in the last five years. These efforts focus on countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan as part of a broader initiative to address human rights violations.
According to Ballotpedia, David Rouzer is a Republican U.S. Representative from North Carolina’s 7th District. He serves on the Foreign Affairs and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees with a focus on global democracy, sanctions, and human rights advocacy in Congress.
