On the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in Central African Republic
B-10-2025-0342
on behalf of the ECR Group · Rapporteur: Adam Bielan, Aurelijus Veryga, Carlo Fidanza, Marlena Maląg, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Alexandr Vondra, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Ivaylo Valchev, Alberico Gambino, Anna Zalewska, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Assita Kanko, Michał Dworczyk, Waldemar Tomaszewski
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The resolution condemns the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin by Russian mercenaries in the Central African Republic, and calls for his fair trial or release.¶¶ It urges EU institutions and member states to monitor the case, support Martin and his family, and counter Russian influence and human rights abuses in the CAR, including designating the Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation.¶¶
Key points
- Strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and torture of Joseph Figueira Martin by the Russian mercenary Wagner Group, noting this violates international human rights law.¶
- Calls on CAR authorities to ensure a timely, fair and impartial trial for Martin, and stresses he should be freed if no such trial occurs.¶
- Calls on member states' diplomatic missions, the EEAS and the EU Delegation in Bangui to monitor the case, support Martin and his family, and raise it with CAR authorities.¶
- Expresses deep concern about Russian influence and the deteriorating human rights situation in the CAR, and calls to counter Russian presence and propaganda.¶
- Strongly condemns Wagner Group/Africa Corps' involvement in widespread human rights abuses and reiterates the call for the Council to designate them as a terrorist organisation.
Who is affected
- Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese researcher detained in the CAR, would benefit from calls for his fair trial or release.¶¶
- CAR authorities are called on to ensure a fair trial or release Martin.
- EU member states' diplomatic missions, the EEAS and the EU Delegation in Bangui are tasked with monitoring and raising the case.¶
- The Wagner Group and Africa Corps are condemned and targeted for potential terrorist designation.¶