On unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan

B100178/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan

(2025/2596(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan,

– having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas there are over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan as well as 23 Armenian prisoners of war, including leaders from Nagorno-Karabakh; whereas many of those arrested were taken into Azerbaijani custody after the September 2023 Azerbaijani military aggression;

whereas Israel receives Azeri oil in exchange for weapons and drones fueling the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh;

whereas those detentions appear to be part of a broader effort by Azerbaijan to intimidate Armenians who were part of its governance structures.

whereas political prisoner and 2024 Sakharov Prize finalist Gubad Ibadoghlu remains under house arrest and in a dire health condition;

Calls for the unconditional release and safe return of all the prisoners of war, hostages and other detained individuals unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan, including high-ranking officials from Nagorno-Karabakh ; welcomes the statement of UN High Commissioner on Human rights in that regard;

Strongly condemns the shams trials brought against them in violations of due process, lack of transparency, and the use of fabricated or exaggerated charges;

Invites the authorities to abide by their international commitment and ensure correct treatment of prisoners, protected from torture and other ill-treatment, with medication, food and water;

Calls for a ban on entry to the EU institutions for Azerbaijani officials responsible for unlawful detentions and human rights violations, including but not limited to presiding judge Zeynal Agayev, judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, and prosecutors;

Calls upon the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Chief Prosecutor to investigate cases submitted by the Center for Truth and Justice and Nagorno-Karabakh Ombudspersons on the forced displacement, persecution, and ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh;

Is particularly concerned by the Azerbaijan’s decision to shut down UN agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office in Baku, only entity with access to detained former officials, hence hindering humanitarian oversight;

Is concerned more generally about the continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan ;

Reiterates its calls to immediately suspend the strategic partnership with Azerbaijan in the field of energy ; strongly calls on the effective enforcement by Azerbaijan of human rights commitments with clear benchmarks, including the release of all political prisoners, efforts to ensure peace and security in the region and respect of internationally recognized borders of its neighboring countries

Regrets further that Azerbaijan has not ratified several important International Labour Organisation’s intruments on forced labour, occupational safety or social security ;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, Member States and the President, Government and Parliament of Azerbaijan.