Where the law stands, Dossier 2025/3028(RSP)
Arbitrary arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan
Resolution on a topical subject (RSP): Parliament states its view. It is not binding. · First reading
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’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 18 December 2025. This is its final position on the matter.
- Tabled for plenary(done)
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 18 December 2025
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
18 December 2025 · decision 2
Foreign affairs, Resolution
Arbitrary arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan
Adopted 477 for · 7 against · 69 abstained by an overwhelming majority
AI summary:It condemns the lack of due process and fair trial, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
What changed
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.
Tabled for plenary → Tabled for plenary
AI summary: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.
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 18 Dec 2025
AI summary: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.
Tabled for plenary· 17 Dec 2025
Tabled for plenary· 15 Dec 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0567/2025
AI summary: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· 15 Dec 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0583/2025
AI summary: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· 15 Dec 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0576/2025
AI summary: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· 15 Dec 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0581/2025
AI summary: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· 15 Dec 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0589/2025
AI summary: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.
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 3 steps
18 December 2025
Plenary vote
Sitting of 18 Dec 2025 Motion for a resolution B10-0567/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0576/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0581/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0583/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0589/2025Adopted text TA10-0339/2025
17 December 2025
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
Sitting of 17 Dec 2025 Motion for a resolution B10-0567/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0576/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0581/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0583/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0589/2025
17 December 2025
1 amendment tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2025/3028(RSP)