The criminalisation of justice fighters has reached alarming heights. All over the world, we are witnessing corrupt corporate and political leaders demonising those who speak up, often calling them criminals and inventing excuses to harass, imprison and torture them, or even worse.
From the killing of forest and land defenders to the imprisonment of journalists, human rights and anti-corruption activists in all regions of the world, inaction and even complicity from governments perpetuates the impunity of the corrupt. Enormous courage and sacrifice are required in advocating for more democratic, just and inclusive societies.
Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, an Azerbaijani political activist and prominent human rights and environmental defender, is being punished for his activism and investigations on oil and gas revenues, oil-related environmental devastation and corruption.
His arrest occurred almost one year ago after he published an article that criticised the country’s oil and gas policies. Facing up to 17 years in prison, he and his family have suffered from police brutality. We demand that all charges against him be dropped immediately and unconditionally.
We, the global anticorruption movement gathered at the 21stIACC stand together with him, and his family. We stand with all those who – in Brazil, in Georgia, and elsewhere, face harassment, violence or even pay with their lives, because of their commitment to justice and transparency.
We demand immediate and unconditional action from governments all over the world, to ensure that journalists, activists, citizens and all those who defend integrity can live free of fear and persecution.
The time to act is now.
Resolution adopted during the 21stIACC, Vilnius, Lithuania June 19, 2024
