European Parliament passes resolution calling for unconditional release of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan

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, Armenpress reported.

The European Parliament resolution:

1. 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;

2. Strongly condemns the shams trials brought against them in violations of due process, lack of transparency, and the use of fabricated or exaggerated charges;

3. 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;

4. 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;

5. 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;

6. Is particularly concerned by the 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;

7. Is concerned more generally about the continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan ;

8. Reiterates its calls to immediately suspend the 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

9. Regrets further that Azerbaijan has not ratified several important International Labour Organisation’s intruments on forced labour, occupational safety or social security ;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, Member States and the President, Government and Parliament of Azerbaijan.