Arbitrary arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan

Key points

1. Strongly condemns the arrest, prosecution and sentencing of Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov on politically motivated charges.¶
2. Calls on Azerbaijan to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, in particular Mr Samadov, Mr Abilov and Mr Ibadoghlu, and guarantee fair trials and due process.¶
3. Calls for an end to repression against journalists, activists, academics, opposition representatives, human rights defenders and other unlawfully detained individuals, including those in exile.¶
4. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the arrest of Ali Karimli and calls for his immediate release.¶
5. Expresses alarm at the misuse of national security provisions for judicial harassment and criminalisation of freedom of expression, peace advocacy and public criticism.¶
6. Expresses deep concern at the continuing erosion of academic freedoms and cultural rights in Azerbaijan.¶
7. Calls on Azerbaijan to respect and align its legislation with international human rights obligations and standards, including freedom of expression and academic freedom.¶
8. Calls for consideration of appropriate measures within the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against relevant responsible officials.¶
9. Calls on the EU Delegation in Baku to monitor the cases and on the EU Human Rights Special Representative to meet with the detained academics.¶
10. Calls for the EU to further support human rights and democratic governance in Azerbaijan, including by increasing support for civil society.¶
11. Stresses that progress on any future partnership agreement should be conditional on tangible advancements in human rights, the rule of law and respect for EU values, including release of political detainees and lifting restrictive legislation.¶