European Parliament resolution on Azerbaijan: 'Political prisoners must be released immediately'
European Parliament resolution on Azerbaijan
In a new resolution adopted on 18 December, the European Parliament highlighted the systemic nature of political repression in Azerbaijan and called on the government to immediately release political prisoners.
The document specifically emphasises the arrests of academics, civil society activists, and opposition leaders.
Key points of the resolution
The resolution notes that the number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan has reached around 400. It states that the situation results from a systematic policy of repression aimed at dismantling independent media, academic freedom, and civil society.
The document also highlights several specific cases, including peaceful activist and researcher Bahruz Samedov, Talysh scholar Igbal Abilov, economist Gubad Ibadoglu, doctoral student Fazil Gasymov, and opposition leader Ali Kerimli.
Bahruz Samedov was detained in August 2024 and in June this year sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of “state treason.” Human rights groups say the charges are based on his calls for peace in the context of the Karabakh conflict and his criticism of the authorities. His trial was held behind closed doors, and he is currently in detention.
Igbal Abilov was sentenced in May this year to 18 years in prison on charges of “state treason” and “incitement of ethnic hatred.” According to international organisations, the case relies largely on his academic work related to the Talysh language and culture, as well as his scholarly correspondence with Armenian researchers. He is currently in custody.
Gubad Ibadoglu was detained in 2023 and, after prolonged time in pre-trial detention, was placed under house arrest in April 2024. Although the criminal case is formally suspended, the charges remain, and a travel ban prevents him from going abroad for medical treatment despite serious health problems.
Fazil Gasymov was sentenced in March this year to nine years in prison on charges of “handling counterfeit currency.” He denies the charges, saying the case is politically motivated and linked to Gubad Ibadoglu’s case. He is currently in detention and reports violations of his rights in the penitentiary system.
The resolution also recalls the detention of opposition leader Ali Karimli. In November this year, he was arrested on charges of “attempting to seize power by force” and is currently held in pre-trial detention. Karimli describes the charges as politically motivated.
Opinions and international calls
Commenting on the European Parliament resolution, human rights defender and steering committee member of the “End Repressions” campaign, Samad Ragimli, said the document sends an important political signal amid escalating repression.
“The European Parliament is one of the few European institutions consistently defending the rights of civil society under attack in Azerbaijan.
This resolution shows that the Azerbaijani issue has not disappeared from the international agenda. The authorities are targeting not only the opposition and the media, but also the rules-based international order. The EU can no longer limit itself to statements alone,” he said.
The resolution also stresses that any future partnership agreements with Azerbaijan should be conditional on tangible progress in human rights, the release of political prisoners, and the repeal of restrictive legislation.
The European Parliament does not rule out the introduction of targeted sanctions against those responsible under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
European Parliament resolution on Azerbaijan
