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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2024/2994(RSP))

On Continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV

B-10-2024-0218

on behalf of The Left Group · Rapporteur: Marina Mesure

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This resolution condemns the repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan, particularly after COP29 in Baku, and calls for the release of detained individuals. It demands that Azerbaijani authorities respect prisoners' rights, repeal restrictive laws, and that the EU suspend energy partnership and make agreements conditional on human rights.

Key points

  1. Condemns the new wave of arrests and repression by the Azerbaijani government following COP29 in Baku.
  2. Expresses concern about the continued repression of civil society and independent media, citing specific cases including Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov, and journalists from Meydan TV.
  3. Calls for the immediate release of all prisoners detained on politically motivated charges.
  4. Urges Azerbaijani authorities to ensure proper treatment of prisoners, protecting them from torture and ill-treatment, with access to medication, food, and water.
  5. Calls on Azerbaijani authorities to repeal and reform restrictive media and NGO laws, including the Law on Grant, which resemble foreign agent laws and negatively impact civil society.
  6. Invites member states to facilitate emergency visas and temporary relocation for civil society and human rights defenders.
  7. Calls on the Commission to suspend the strategic partnership with Azerbaijan in the field of energy.
  8. Insists that any partnership agreement be conditional on Azerbaijan's effective enforcement of human rights, peace and security efforts, and respect for neighbors' borders, including releasing Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war.
  9. Regrets that Azerbaijan has not ratified several International Labour Organisation instruments on forced labour, occupational safety, and social security.

Who is affected

  • Civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan, including journalists and human rights defenders.
  • Prisoners in Azerbaijan, including those detained on politically motivated charges.
  • Azerbaijani authorities, who are called on to change laws and practices.
  • The European Commission and member states, who are asked to take actions.