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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2025/2596(RSP))

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

B-10-2025-0178

on behalf of The Left Group · Rapporteur: Marina Mesure

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

The resolution condemns Azerbaijan's unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian prisoners, including Nagorno-Karabakh leaders, and calls for their release and fair treatment. It demands EU entry bans for Azerbaijani officials involved, ICC investigation of alleged crimes, and suspension of energy cooperation until human rights improve.

Key points

  1. Calls for unconditional release and safe return of all unlawfully detained prisoners of war, hostages, and others, including high-ranking Nagorno-Karabakh officials.
  2. Strongly condemns sham trials against them for violating due process, lacking transparency, and using fabricated or exaggerated charges.
  3. Invites authorities to abide by international commitments, ensuring prisoners are protected from torture and ill-treatment, with medication, food, and water.
  4. Calls for EU entry bans for Azerbaijani officials responsible for unlawful detentions and human rights violations, including named judges and prosecutors.
  5. Calls on the ICC and its Chief Prosecutor to investigate cases on forced displacement, persecution, and ethnic cleansing against Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh.
  6. Expresses concern over Azerbaijan's shutdown of UN agencies and ICRC office in Baku, hindering humanitarian oversight.
  7. Concerned about continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan.
  8. Reiterates calls to suspend strategic energy partnership with Azerbaijan and demands enforcement of human rights commitments with clear benchmarks.
  9. Regrets Azerbaijan's non-ratification of several ILO instruments on forced labour, occupational safety, and social security.

Who is affected

  • Armenian prisoners of war and detained officials from Nagorno-Karabakh, who would be released and treated fairly.
  • Azerbaijani officials responsible for detentions and human rights violations, who would face EU entry bans.
  • Azerbaijan, which would face suspension of energy partnership and must meet human rights benchmarks.

Figures and deadlines

  • Over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan and 23 Armenian prisoners of war.