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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2025/2797(RSP))

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

B-10-2025-0339

on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Andrey Kovatchev, Tomas Tobé, Tomáš Zdechovský, Davor Ivo Stier, Łukasz Kohut, Liudas Mažylis, Vangelis Meimarakis, Loránt Vincze, Seán Kelly, Mirosława Nykiel, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Inese Vaidere

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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 the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic and urges his immediate release. It calls on CAR authorities to ensure fair trial, medical evacuation, prison reforms, and investigations into torture, and on the EU to increase diplomatic efforts. It expresses concern over the Wagner Group's presence and human rights violations, and stresses the need for targeted EU measures if humanitarian workers are targeted.

Key points

  1. Urges CAR authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Figueira Martin, ensure his safety, fair trial, and due process, and facilitate his medical evacuation.
  2. Calls for detention conditions to meet international standards, reforms to the penitentiary system, and an end to arbitrary pre-trial imprisonment.
  3. Calls on CAR authorities to conduct prompt and independent investigations into all cases of torture and ill-treatment and hold those responsible to account.
  4. Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative to increase diplomatic efforts with Belgian and Portuguese authorities to secure his release.
  5. Expresses grave concern over the Wagner Group's presence and influence, which has committed severe human rights violations.
  6. Stresses the need for targeted EU measures if CAR authorities persist in targeting humanitarian workers, as this opposes the CAR's development interests.

Who is affected

  • CAR authorities: must release Figueira Martin, reform prisons, investigate abuses, and stop targeting humanitarian workers.
  • EU institutions and member states: must increase diplomatic efforts and consider targeted measures.
  • Joseph Figueira Martin: would be released and receive medical care.

Figures and deadlines

  • 1.000 Wagner troops estimated in the CAR.