The European Parliament called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release political prisoners
The European Parliament called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release political prisoners, including scientists Bahruz Samedov and Igbal Abilov. Members also emphasized the need for sanctions against the country's authorities for human rights violations.
As reported by the Caucasian Knot , the European Parliament adopted a resolution at its plenary session in Strasbourg on April 25, 2024, titled "Repression against Civil Society and the Cases of Dr. Gubad Ibadoğlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev." Members of the European Parliament condemned the persecution of journalists and activists in Azerbaijan. The European Parliament demanded the release of political prisoners in Azerbaijan and reiterated its call on the EU to impose sanctions against Azerbaijani officials involved in human rights violations.
On December 18, the European Parliament adopted a resolution "On the arbitrary arrest and sentencing of scientists Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan." The resolution notes that "the number of people arrested in Azerbaijan for political reasons this year has reached 400."
In 2024, the number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan exceeded 300 for the first time since the early 2000s. On October 7, the Union for Freedom of Political Prisoners in Azerbaijan published a new national list of political prisoners, including 392 names. The largest increase in prisoners occurred over the past year, according to the Caucasian Knot report " Key Points on the Record Number of Political Prisoners in Azerbaijan ." However, Azerbaijani authorities deny the existence of political prisoners in the country.
These are mainly opposition leaders, members of civil society, human rights activists, journalists and academic researchers, the document states.
Particular attention is given to the cases of Bakhruz Samedov, a postgraduate student at Charles University in the Czech Republic, and Igbal Abilov, a researcher of Talysh culture, who were arrested and convicted on charges of treason.
"The trials of both scientists were held behind closed doors, in violation of international fair trial standards and the presumption of innocence, the alleged evidence consisted only of contacts and correspondence with the Armenian scientists, and their health deteriorated while in detention," the resolution further notes.
A Baku court sentenced 29-year-old Bahruz Samedov to 15 years in prison; his sentence was upheld. Samedov was arrested in Azerbaijan on August 21, 2024, and charged with treason. Investigators believe he wrote and translated articles commissioned by Armenian officials. The defense team noted that the charges are based on correspondence between Bahruz Samedov and three women from Armenia. Samedov categorically denied the treason charge. Samedov is known for his criticism of the Azerbaijani authorities, which he expressed in foreign publications. The defense believes his "anti-war views" were the reason for his arrest .
The resolution also points to the arrest "as part of the strengthening of authoritarian methods" of the chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Ali Karimli, on charges of attempting to seize power.
On November 29, State Security Service officers detained Ali Karimli and his advisor, Mammad Ibrahim, a member of the Presidium of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA). Both opposition figures were arrested for two and a half months, until February 13. Karimli was charged under Article 278.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan (actions aimed at the violent seizure of power or the violent change of the constitutional order of the state). He denied the charges and called his criminal case political persecution . On December 5, the Baku Court of Appeals rejected the appeal against Karimli's arrest.
The European Parliament has demanded that the Azerbaijani authorities immediately release political prisoners, including Bahruz Samedov, Igbal Abilov and economist Gubad Ibadoglu.
Igbal Abilov, a 35-year-old Azerbaijani citizen who had lived in Belarus since childhood, came to Azerbaijan in 2024 for his cousin's wedding and was arrested on charges of collaborating with Armenian intelligence services. On April 4, in court, Abilov denied the charges and stated that he was solely engaged in academic work. On May 20, the court sentenced Abilov to 18 years in prison. Abilov's relatives believe the real reason for the persecution is his research on Talysh culture. The treason charge appears flimsy and is yet another episode in the pattern of persecuting activists from ethnic minorities in Azerbaijan, human rights activists concluded. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report, " How is Igbal Abilov's arrest connected to the persecution of Talysh activists ?"
The European Parliament also called on Azerbaijan to respect and bring its legislation into line with international human rights obligations and standards, including freedom of expression and academic freedom.
The European Parliament also called on the European Union to continue to support human rights and democratic governance in Azerbaijan, including by strengthening its assistance to civil society. The European Parliament also proposes considering measures against responsible officials under the EU's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
The document emphasizes that future partnership agreements with Azerbaijan must be conditioned on genuine progress in human rights, the rule of law, and the release of political prisoners. The resolution also condemns human rights violations outside Azerbaijan, in particular targeted assassination plots within the European Union.
The resolution was adopted by 477 votes in favor, seven against and 69 abstentions.
The Azerbaijani authorities have not yet responded to the resolution.
Earlier, the human rights campaign "End Repression in Azerbaijan" stated that Brussels' policy toward Baku is based not on democratic values , but on practical interests. Campaign participants called on the EU to link energy cooperation to the release of political prisoners and respect for human rights in Azerbaijan.
On December 15, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev submitted an amnesty act to parliament. The initiative is timed to coincide with the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" declared in Azerbaijan in 2025 and the restoration of the country's sovereignty over its entire territory, according to the state news agency Azertac. The amnesty will affect approximately 20,000 people. Local activists welcomed the amnesty initiative but noted that it will not resolve the issue of political prisoners.
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Source: https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/419208
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