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

TA-10-2025-0162 · P10_TA(2025)0162 · PE774.023

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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 demands the immediate and unconditional release of researcher Joseph Figueira Martin, arbitrarily detained and tortured in the Central African Republic (CAR). It urges CAR authorities to allow his medical evacuation, ensure legal and consular access, and comply with due process. It condemns foreign interference, calls for accountability, and urges the Council to designate the Wagner Group a terrorist organisation. It calls on the EU to take steps for his release and consider targeted measures if CAR persists in violating his rights.

Key points

  1. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Joseph Figueira Martin, citing lack of credible evidence.
  2. Urges CAR authorities to allow medical evacuation and ensure access to legal representation, consular assistance, and appropriate care.
  3. Strongly condemns human rights violations from arbitrary, continued, and inhuman detention.
  4. Insists judicial proceedings comply with due process guarantees in the ICCPR and CAR's national legal framework.
  5. Calls on CAR authorities to ensure armed groups cease illegal arrests and attacks on humanitarian and NGO workers.
  6. Calls for ensuring accountability for rights violations and abuses.
  7. Condemns foreign interference, including Russian paramilitary forces and disinformation, and reiterates call to designate Wagner Group as terrorist organisation.
  8. Stresses that respect for human rights is crucial for good EU-CAR cooperation.
  9. Calls on VP/HR to take all possible steps, including raising the case in EU-CAR dialogue, and stresses need for targeted EU measures if rights persist being violated.

Who is affected

  • Joseph Figueira Martin, Belgian-Portuguese researcher detained in CAR.
  • CAR authorities, who must release him and ensure his rights.
  • Armed groups in CAR, which must cease illegal arrests and attacks.
  • EU institutions, including VP/HR, called to act for his release.

Figures and deadlines

  • Kidnapped on 26 May 2024.
  • Detained for over a year.