2025/3028(RSP) Resolution on a topical subject First reading

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

A resolution tabled by political groups, usually on an urgent matter or in reaction to a statement by the Commission or Council. Not binding.

Where it stands: Parliament adopted the text on 18 December 2025. This is its final position on the matter.

  1. Tabled for plenary
  2. Plenary vote Adopted 18 December 2025
  3. Parliament’s position Final
How a file moves through Parliament

A file is referred to one lead committee (others may give an opinion). Its rapporteur writes a draft report, committee members table amendments, and the committee votes to adopt the report. The report is then tabled for all MEPs; political groups can table further amendments, which are voted on before the final vote in plenary. The adopted resolution is Parliament’s final position; it is not itself law.

The text, version by version

Adopted by Parliament · latest Adopted text TA10-0339/2025 18 December 2025 ✦ Parliament condemns the arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan on politically motivated charges, and calls for their immediate release.⇄ what changed Tabled for plenary Joint motion RC-B10-0567/2025 17 December 2025 ⇄ what changed Tabled for plenary Motion for a resolution B10-0567/2025 15 December 2025 ✦ This resolution condemns the arbitrary arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan, and calls for their immediate release along with that of Fazil Gasimov. Tabled for plenary Motion for a resolution B10-0583/2025 15 December 2025 ✦ The resolution strongly condemns the arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan on politically motivated charges, and expresses concern over the erosion of academic freedom and human rights. Tabled for plenary Motion for a resolution B10-0576/2025 15 December 2025 ✦ Parliament denounces the sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan, and expresses concern over the detention of other researchers. Tabled for plenary Motion for a resolution B10-0581/2025 15 December 2025 ✦ This resolution addresses the arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan, calling for their release and for reforms to protect academic freedom and human rights. Tabled for plenary Motion for a resolution B10-0589/2025 15 December 2025 ✦ 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.

Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament: No change of substance: the two versions differ only in presentation — cover page, numbering or the parts a report carries that the adopted text does not. see the changes →

Tabled for plenary → Tabled for plenary: The resolution now condemns the arrest of Ali Karimli and calls for his release, expanding the scope beyond the two academics. It calls for the release of all political prisoners, not just the named individuals, and adds demands for fair trials and an end to repression. The text now includes calls for EU monitoring and support for civil society, and conditions future partnership agreements on human rights progress. The previous calls for suspending energy trade and freezing partnership negotiations are replaced with softer measures like considering sanctions and monitoring. see the changes →

Newest version first. Open a version to read it in full. “What changed” shows the differences paragraph by paragraph; ✦ lines are AI-written from the texts themselves.

Timeline

  1. Plenary stage
  2. Adopted Adopted by an overwhelming majority
    For 477 Against 7 Abstained 69

    Final vote — text as a whole at 12:04 · 86% of votes cast in favour · every MEP’s position →

    How the vote unfolded · 7 ballots

    adopted rejected lapsed square = amendment circle = part of the text decisive vote Solid = roll call (click for every MEP’s vote); faded = no individual positions

    Show all 7 ballots in voting order
    1. Amendment 1 12:03 RC-B10-0567/2025 – After § 3 – Am 1
    Rejected
    2. Final vote — text as a whole 12:04 RC-B10-0567/2025 – Motion for a resolution (as a whole)
    Adopted
    3. Alternative motion B10-0567/2025 B10-0567/2025
    show of hands — no individual positions recorded
    Lapsed
    4. Alternative motion B10-0576/2025 B10-0576/2025
    show of hands — no individual positions recorded
    Lapsed
    5. Alternative motion B10-0581/2025 B10-0581/2025
    show of hands — no individual positions recorded
    Lapsed
    6. Alternative motion B10-0583/2025 B10-0583/2025
    show of hands — no individual positions recorded
    Lapsed
    7. Alternative motion B10-0589/2025 B10-0589/2025
    show of hands — no individual positions recorded
    Lapsed
  3. 17 December 2025 1 amendments tabled for the plenary vote

    Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.