On Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

on Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of

Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

B90245/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of

Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

(2024/2698(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

– having regard to Rules 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas on 23 July 2023, Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu - a renowned economist, anti-corruption researcher and political activist and his wife, Irada Bayramova, were arrested by Azerbaijani authorities on fabricated charges in retaliation for criticism of the government; whereas Dr Ibadoghlu serves as the chairperson of the Azerbaijan Democracy and Prosperity Movement;

whereas Dr Ibadoghlu has advocated for democratic principles and modernisation of Azerbaijan; whereas Dr Gubad Ibadoglu's has been conditionally transferred to house arrest;

whereas Dr Ibadoghlu serving senior teaching positions at renowned universities in the United States and Europe researched the rise and prevalence of corruption in the region, including in Azerbaijan, as well as the lack of economic transparency and financial accountability; whereas his wrongful detention is a serious affront to human rights and academic freedom;

whereas the European Parliament as well as several parliaments and diplomatic missions, along with numerous academic institutions and respected international organizations, have expressed deep concerns regarding Dr. Ibadoghlu’s health and have demanded his immediate release;

whereas Ilhamiz Guliyev, a human rights activist and lawyer with the Institute for Civil Rights, was arrested on 4 December 2023 and detained for four months on charges of large-scale drug trafficking;

Regrets that Azerbaijan’s status within the community of democracies have been weakened by a troubling record of unjustly detaining those involved in human rights, journalism, and peaceful freedom of expression, including Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev;

Calls on Azerbaijan to release Gubad Ibadoghlu, Ilhamiz Guliyev and all other people imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights and to ensure free and unhindered space for independent journalism and freedom of expression;

Notes transferring of Dr. Ibadoghlu to house arrest and urges EEAS to continue prioritising Dr. Ibadoghlu’s case in engagements with the Government of Azerbaijan;

Reminds the Azerbaijani authorities about their obligations to respect human dignity and fundamental freedoms;

Stresses the importance of practical and result-oriented EU involvement in the region, distinguishing it from Russia's historically conflict-fuelling approach for political gain; calls on the EU, its Member States and international partners to remain vigilant and reject provocations aimed at undermining prospects of historical peace agreement in the region;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the President, Government and Parliament of Azerbaijan.