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

B100342/2025

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

(2025/2797(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on the Central African Republic (CAR),

having regard to its resolution of 23 November 2022 on recognising the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism (P9_TA(2022)0405),

having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese citizen and consultant for an American non-governmental organisation FHI 360, was arbitrarily detained by the Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group in Zemio, Central African Republic, on 26 May 2024;

whereas Mr. Figueira Martin was subjected to torture by his captors; whereas he has been held in a military prison since July 2024 awaiting trial; whereas the authorities of the CAR accuse him of espionage and undermining state security, among other charges; whereas, if found guilty, he faces a possible life sentence and forced labour;

whereas torture and ill-treatment, illegal and arbitrary arrest and detention, malnutrition and poor healthcare are prevalent in detention centres in the CAR;

whereas Russian influence in the CAR has increased in recent years, through the deployment of military advisors and mercenary forces (Wagner Group and its successor Africa Corps); whereas Russian mercenaries operating with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s forces have committed widespread human rights abuses, including campaigns of mass killing, torture and rape;

whereas the Wagner Group’s presence in the CAR extends beyond military operations and includes economic exploitation of natural resources, involvement in local business ventures, exertion of political influence, control of critical infrastructure and engagement in surveillance, intimidation, and disinformation campaigns;

Strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and torture of Joseph Figueira Martin by the Russian mercenary Wagner Group; recalls that the use of torture and arbitrary detention is a flagrant violation of international human rights law;

Calls on the CAR authorities to ensure that Mr Figueira Martin receives a timely, fair and impartial trial; emphasises that, in the absence of such a trial, he should be set free; stresses that detaining him without due process infringes on his fundamental rights and clearly violates international standards of justice;

Calls on the relevant Member States’ diplomatic missions, the EEAS and the EU Delegation in Bangui to closely monitor the case, to provide support to Mr. Figueira Martin and his family, and to raise the issue at the highest political levels with the authorities of the CAR;

Expresses deep concern about the strong Russian influence and deteriorating human rights situation in the CAR; calls to counter the malign Russian presence and propaganda narratives in the CAR and the wider region; strongly condemns the Wagner Group/Africa Corps’ involvement in widespread human rights abuses; reiterates its call to the Council to designate the Wagner Group/Africa Corps as a terrorist organisation;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Government of the CAR, the HR/VP, the Council, the African Union, and the United Nations.