On the continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV

B100221/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV

(2024/2994(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan,

– having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Azerbaijan’s regime continues to wring any remaining vestige of human rights in the country as it ramps up its comprehensive crackdown against civil society, human rights defenders and journalists;

whereas in early December 2024 authorities arrested Meydan TV’s journalists Aynur Ganbarova, Aytaj Ahmadova, Khayala Agayeva, Natig Javadli, Aysel Umudova, and Ramin Jabrayilzade; whereas police have also arrested animal rights activist Kamran Mammadli, Deputy Director of the Baku Journalism School Ulvi Tahirov, and human rights defender Rufat Safarov; whereas human rights defender Anar Mammadli has been detained since 29 April 2024; whereas all face unfounded, politically motivated charges;

whereas academic, anti-corruption activist and shortlisted 2024 Sakharov Prize finalist Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu continues to be held under house arrest and denied adequate medical care;

whereas prisoner’s human rights are routinely violated, including detention in inhumane conditions and torture; whereas reports highlight specific harassment and abuse of female political prisoners, such as in the case of Nargiz Absalamova;

Urges the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately and unconditionally release and drop all charges against human rights defenders, civil society activists, and journalists; highlights the urgency to immediately release those in need of medical care, including Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Alasgar Mammadli, Hafiz Babali, Fazil Gasimov, Famil Khalilov, Ulvi Hasanli, Aziz Orujov, and Ruslan Izzatli;

Deplores the decision by the Azerbaijani authorities not to lift Dr Ibadoghlu’s house arrest to enable him to attend the Sakharov Prize ceremony in Strasbourg;

Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to end the atrocious harassment and fabricated lawsuits against dissenting voices, to repeal the repressive legislation on the registration and funding of nongovernmental organizations and media, and bring its laws in line with Venice Commission recommendations;

Calls for targeted sanctions, under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, against officials responsible for serious human rights violations, including Presidential Assistant Fuad Alasgarov, Internal Affairs Minister Vilayat Eyvazov, and National Security Agency Director Ali Naghiyev;

Calls on the Commission and EEAS to reinforce support for independent civil society and media in the country and in exile; asks the EU delegation and Member States’ embassies to monitor trials, to conduct prison visits, to support the families of political prisoners, including financially, and to offer protection to people at risk of persecution, including by facilitating entry for asylum or temporary refuge;

Calls on the Commission and EEAS to ensure that Azerbaijan’s appalling human rights situation is prioritised in relations with Azerbaijan; notes that closer trade relations should only be pursued if Azerbaijan releases all political prisoners, and significantly improves its human rights record; calls for the suspension of the 2022 memorandum of understanding on the strategic partnership in the field of energy;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the President and the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan.