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 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 #TXTTITLE@TITLE@#

B100231/2024

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 #TXTTITLE@TITLE@#

(2024/2994(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan;

- having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure;

A. whereas Azerbaijani authorities have been continuously reducing space for civil society, arbitrarily closing down non-governmental organisations and arresting or forcing into exile civil society representatives;

B. whereas since the announcement that Azerbaijan would host UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), control of critical voices has increased, resulting in the arbitrary detention and prosecution of civil society activists and journalists;

C. whereas charges have been brought against numerous independent journalists who remain in prison or in pre-trial detention, while independent media are often shut down on politically motivated charges;

D. whereas Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, a renowned political economist and anti-corruption activist was arbitrarily detained and subjected to inhumane treatment; whereas in April 2024 Dr Ibadoghlu was moved to house arrest, while his health condition still gives serious concerns;

E. whereas Dr Ibadoghlu was shortlisted for the 2024 Sakharov Prize;

1. Deplores that, despite strong pressure from the EU and the international community, the Azerbaijani authorities have not addressed the deteriorating human rights situation in the country ahead of COP29 and have not shown commitment to fundamental rights and rule of law;

2. Reiterates its condemnation for the continuous reported violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, the reprisals against human rights defenders and journalists, and the abuse of the criminal justice system for political purposes;

3. Is extremely concerned for the arrest of independent journalist Jabrailzade and the employees of Meydan TV Gambarova, Javadli, Agayeva, Ahmadova and Umudova, who are placed in pre-trial detention, accused of foreign currency smuggling,

4. Reiterates its grave concern over the detention of anti-corruption activist and academic Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, who was held in pre-trial detention for almost one year despite his deteriorating health, moved to house arrest and continues to be deprived of liberty, and who is not allowed to leave Azerbaijan to receive the medical care he requires;

5. Deplores that Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu was not allowed to attend the 2024 Sakharov Prize ceremony in Strasbourg; calls on all EU representatives and individual Member States to actively support his release from house arrest in every exchange with the Azerbaijani authorities;

6. Expresses its concern over the case of Anar Mammadli, a prominent human rights defender and climate advocate, who was arrested in April 2024 and placed in pre-trial detention, and who faces charges of conspiracy in retaliation for his criticism of the government;

7. Insists that any partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan – including on energy – must have strong conditions attached on the respect of international law and fundamental rights; calls on the Commission to urgently review the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HRVP, the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Council of Europe.