On the arbitrary arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov
B-10-2025-0589
on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Dan Barna, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Helmut Brandstätter, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, JanChristoph Oetjen, MarieAgnes StrackZimmermann, Anna Stürgkh, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
- Voted on · Adopted 477–7–69 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2025/3028
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This resolution condemns the arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan, calls for their immediate release, and urges the Azerbaijani authorities to end reprisals against critics and release all political prisoners.¶¶ It also condemns the arrest of Ali Karimli, calls for EU sanctions against officials, and links future partnership agreements to progress on rule of law and human rights.¶¶¶
Key points
- Calls on the Government of Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally release Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov and lift all criminal charges against them.¶
- Condemns in the strongest possible terms the arrest of Ali Karimli and calls for his immediate release.¶
- Condemns the lack of due process and violations of the right to a fair trial in the judicial proceedings, orchestrated to suppress criticism and discourage engagement in politically sensitive topics.¶
- Calls on Azerbaijani authorities to end broader reprisals against peaceful critics, journalists, activists, opposition leaders, and academics, including those in exile, and to release all political prisoners.¶
- Calls for consideration of appropriate measures within the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime regarding relevant officials, ensuring diplomatic engagement remains consistent with EU values.¶
- Stresses that progress on any future partnership agreement should be closely aligned with tangible advancements on rule of law and human rights, including release of political detainees.¶
Who is affected
- Azerbaijani authorities and government, who are called to release prisoners and end reprisals.¶¶
- EU institutions and member states, who are asked to consider sanctions and align partnership agreements with human rights.¶¶
- Political prisoners and critics in Azerbaijan, including academics and opposition leaders, who would benefit from release and an end to reprisals.¶