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

on unlawful detention and sham trial of Armenian hostages,

B100184/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on unlawful detention and sham trial 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 and the situation in Nagorno- Karabakh,

– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,

– having regard to the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War,

A. whereas the Azerbaijani authorities have officially acknowledged the detention of 23 individuals - citizens of the Republic of Armenia and of Armenian origins - while human rights activists have documented at least 80 confirmed cases of Armenian captives;

B. whereas there are credible reports of abuse, psychological torture, and unfair trial against the Armenian prisoners held in Baku, including seven who have already been sentenced to heavy prison terms in unfair trials;

C. whereas since 17 January 2025 sixteen detainees, including former military and political leaders of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, have been subjected to unjust trials lacking transparency and due process;

D. whereas philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, imprisoned since September 2023, initiated a hunger strike on 19 February 2025 in protest against his unlawful detention and trial;

E. whereas several reports reveal actions of Azerbaijani authorities that constitute serious violations of international law, including the Geneva Convention (III),

1. Denounces the unjust detention, inhumane treatment, and unfair trials of Armenian prisoners, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan, and demands their immediate and unconditional release;

2. Expresses grave concern over the reported instances of torture and ill-treatment, and calls for an independent investigation into these violations;

3. Urges the Azerbaijani authorities to comply with their international obligations, including the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights;

4. Requests the EU and international organizations to facilitate deployment of humanitarian and medical missions to assess the well-being of the detained individuals;

5. Stresses the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Armenian political prisoners, ensure their protection, and the accountability of those responsible for their mistreatment;

6. Calls on the Council to impose targeted sanctions against Azerbaijani officials responsible for the reported human rights violations, including judges Zeynal Agayev, Jamal Ramazanov, and Anar Rzayev;

7. Strongly condemns the Azerbaijani government’s decision to close the offices of UN bodies and of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which severely impedes international humanitarian efforts and monitoring mechanisms;

8. Calls upon the International Criminal Court and its Chief Prosecutor to investigate cases on the forced displacement, persecution, and ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh;

9. Welcomes the statement of UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, demanding the unconditional release and safe return of all prisoners of war, hostages and other detained individuals unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan, including high-ranking officials of Nagorno-Karabakh;

10.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European Council, the European Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations.