On unlawful detention and sham trial of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan

B100183/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on unlawful detention and sham trial of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan

(2025/2596(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Armenia and Azerbaijan,

- having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas despite numerous international agreements and calls for reform, including persistent pressure from the European Parliament, Azerbaijan has made minimal to no meaningful progress in improving its human rights record, thereby perpetuating a cycle of authoritarian governance and systematic oppression;

B. whereas Azerbaijan recently released 29 Armenian prisoners of war, a step acknowledged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, but which does not fully address the ongoing humanitarian concerns and systematic human rights violations; whereas this release occurs against a backdrop of continued staged trials, documented torture, and persistent violations of international humanitarian law;

C. whereas the fate of the Armenian leadership of Karabakh, including former presidents along with other high-ranking officials remains deeply concerning following their arrest by Azerbaijani forces in September 2023 after the complete takeover of the enclave, and whereas these leaders, who were detained while attempting to leave with other Armenians, now face politically motivated charges including terrorism, creating illegal armed groups, and illegal border crossing; whereas their trials in Baku appear to be a continuation of Azerbaijan's systematic persecution of Armenian political figures;

1. Calls for the European External Action Service and European Commission to commence comprehensive diplomatic, investigative, and pressure-based actions, including demanding immediate access for international human rights observers to the trials of Armenian prisoners and Karabakh leaders in Azerbaijan, establishing a monitoring mission to track legal proceedings and human rights conditions, conditionally linking future EU-Azerbaijan cooperation and financial assistance to demonstrable human rights improvements, and to advance a strategic approach to pressure Azerbaijan's compliance with international humanitarian law, by offering legal and technical support to ensure fair trials and due process;

2. Reiterates its condemnation of the Azerbaijani military incursions into the internationally recognised territory of Armenia over recent years; expresses its sympathy with the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians who had to flee their ancestral lands and calls on the authorities in Baku to guarantee safe return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and guarantee their rights to cultivate their culture and traditions; welcomes all efforts by the Government of Armenia to provide shelter and aid to the displaced Armenians;

3. Strongly condemns Russia’s increasing hybrid attempts to destabilize the political situation inside Armenia and in the region; is concerned that the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is regularly targeted by Russian disinformation attempts and campaigns;

4. Reiterates the EU’s commitment to peace, stability and prosperity of the Caucasus region; underlines its unequivocal support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Armenia and Azerbaijan;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Armenia, the UN and the Council of Europe.