Crude Accountability is proud to release its latest report, “Politically Motivated? The Story of Dmitry Leus.” This compelling report is a case study that highlights the enabling environments in the West as much as the uncontrolled banking industry in Russia and Central Asia during the 2000s. Additionally, it serves as a stark reminder of the authoritarian regime in Turkmenistan, one of the world’s most closed and repressive nations.

This report is the first in a series by Crude Accountability that will shed light on figures from Eurasia whose activities are facilitated by Western institutions failing to effectively monitor questionable financial and economic dealings.

Read the full report here.

Zhala Bayramova, child of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu and human rights lawyer, calls for the release of their father, held under house arrest by COP29 host Azerbaijan, during the 60th Session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Committee in Bonn, Germany.

Listen to their remarks during the delivery of statements from civil society for the closing plenary meeting here.

#noCOPwithoutGubad

During UN climate talks in Bonn, we put the spotlight on #COP29 host Azerbaijan’s inhumane treatment of our friend, renowned economist and fossil fuel industry critic, Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, who is currently under house arrest and awaiting trial on fabricated charges.

Our Executive Director Kate Watters and representatives of Freedom Now and World Movement for Democracy shared their remarks, available online here.

#freegubad

#cop29baku

Hot on the heels of the COP29 pre-talks in Bonn, Germany, The Guardian reported on the recent wave of repression in the host country, Azerbaijan, with the crack down on media and civil society activism, and detention of political prisoners.

Ibad Bayramova, son of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, is quoted in the article, calling attention for the release of his father and Western governments to take urgent action on the issue.

Read the free article on the Guardian website here.

#cop29baku

Wednesday, June 26, marked International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Together with Publish What You Pay, we released a statement expressing our concern for the health and well-being of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu and continue to call for his unconditional release.

After nine months in a pre-trial detention facility following a violent arrest on spurious charges on July 23, 2023, Gubad is currently held under house arrest without access to urgent medical care to treat an aortic condition.

Read the statement here.

The U.S. banana enterprise, Chiquita Brands International, has been found liable for funding a paramilitary death squad in Colombia and must pay $38 million to the murdered victims' families. This is a significant victory for the entire human rights community - it is reportedly the first time a major U.S. company has been held liable for human rights abuses abroad. We congratulate our colleagues at EarthRights for this tremendous win!

Read the full story from EarthRights here.