On arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in Central African Republic

B100327/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in Central African Republic

(2025/2797(RSP))

The European Parliament,

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

whereas Joseph Figueira Martin, a dual Belgian-Portuguese national and humanitarian researcher working for the NGO FHI 360, was kidnapped on 26 May 2024 in the Central African Republic (CAR) by the Wagner group, and later handed over to the CAR authorities;

whereas the charges brought against him by the CAR authorities are based on unfounded accusations; whereas no trial date has been set yet and a request for his conditional release has not been answered, in violation of CAR criminal law;

whereas during his detention, Joseph Figueira Martin was tortured and threatened with death; whereas he remains in detention under inhumane conditions and without trial for over a year;

whereas the health of Joseph Figueira Martin has deteriorated dramatically and medical assessments recommend his urgent evacuation;

whereas Joseph Figueira Martin faces life imprisonment and forced labour for the rest of his life;

whereas armed groups operating in the CAR have been carrying out illegal and arbitrary arrests and detentions;

whereas Russia-linked actors are spreading a pattern of foreign disinformation and manipulation operations in the country;

whereas the EU supports CAR population, providing humanitarian, security and development aid, and making efforts to fill the gap left by other donors;

whereas respect of human rights, democracy and governance are amongst priority areas of partnership between the EU and ACP countries under the Samoa Agreement;

Expresses deep concern at continued, arbitrary and inhuman detention of Joseph Figueira Martin, seriously threatening the life and health;

Given the lack of a fair and public trial, calls on the CAR authorities to immediately release Joseph Figueira Martin;

Urges CAR authorities to allow his medical evacuation and to ensure access to legal representation, consular assistance, and appropriate care, in accordance with international human rights standards;

Calls on the CRA authorities to ensure that the armed groups operating in the country immediately cease illegal and arbitrary arrests and attacks on humanitarian and NGOs workers;

Expresses deep concern at the growing politically motivated foreign interference in the CAR, including through Russian paramilitary forces and disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting and intimidating humanitarian and civilian actors;

Stresses that respect for human rights is crucial for good EU-CRA cooperation;

Calls on the EU to strengthen protection of EU citizens operating in areas of instability;

Calls on the HR/VP to take all possible steps, in coordination with Belgian and Portuguese authorities, including by raising the case of Joseph Figueira Martin in the political dialogue between the EU and the CRA, in order to secure his release and ensure that his rights are upheld;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, the Government and Parliament of the CAR, the AU and the UN.