The European Parliament adopted the Motion for a resolution on unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan” on March 13.
It was adopted with 523 votes in favor, 3 against and 84 abstentions.
With the resolution, the European Parliament:
Calls for the unconditional release and safe return of all the prisoners of war, hostages and other detained individuals unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan, including high-ranking officials from Nagorno-Karabakh ; welcomes the statement of UN High Commissioner on Human rights in that regard;
Strongly condemns the shams trials brought against them in violations of due process, lack of transparency, and the use of fabricated or exaggerated charges;
Invites the authorities to abide by their international commitment and ensure correct treatment of prisoners, protected from torture and other ill-treatment, with medication, food and water;
Calls for a ban on entry to the EU institutions for Azerbaijani officials responsible for unlawful detentions and human rights violations, including but not limited to presiding judge Zeynal Agayev, judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, and prosecutors;
Calls upon the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Chief Prosecutor to investigate cases submitted by the Center for Truth and Justice and Nagorno-Karabakh Ombudspersons on the forced displacement, persecution, and ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh;
The European Parliament expressed particular concern over Azerbaijan’s decision to shut down UN agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office in Baku, only entity with access to detained former officials, hence hindering humanitarian oversight;
The European Parliament also expressed concern more generally about the continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan.
It reiterates its calls to immediately suspend the EU strategic partnership with Azerbaijan in the field of energy ; strongly calls on the effective enforcement by Azerbaijan of human rights commitments with clear benchmarks, including the release of all political prisoners, efforts to ensure peace and security in the region and respect of internationally recognized borders of its neighboring countries.
The resolution noted that “there are over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan as well as 23 Armenian prisoners of war, including leaders from Nagorno-Karabakh; whereas many of those arrested were taken into Azerbaijani custody after the September 2023 Azerbaijani military aggression.”
It added that “Azerbaijan’s aggression of Nagorno-Karabakh has resulted in significant human suffering and Azerbaijani troops have committed ethnic cleansing and violence against the Armenian inhabitants of the region.”
It also added that “Israel receives Azeri oil in exchange for weapons and drones fueling the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.” It said that “detentions appear to be part of a broader effort by Azerbaijan to intimidate Armenians who were part of its governance structures.”
Published by Armenpress
