resolution motion, 10 March 2025
On unlawful detention and sham trial of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno Karabakh, by Azerbaijan
Motion B-10-2025-0184 · (2025/2596(RSP))
on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Francisco Assis, Vasile Dîncu, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Evin Incir, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Yannis Maniatis
AI:In short
This resolution denounces Azerbaijan's unjust detention, inhumane treatment, and unfair trials of Armenian prisoners, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, and demands their immediate and unconditional release. It calls for an independent investigation into torture and ill-treatment, urges Azerbaijan to comply with international law, and requests EU and international organizations to facilitate humanitarian and medical missions. It stresses diplomatic efforts for release, calls for targeted sanctions against Azerbaijani officials, condemns the closure of UN and Red Cross offices, and calls on the International Criminal Court to investigate forced displacement and ethnic cleansing.
Key points
- Denounces the unjust detention, inhumane treatment, and unfair trials of Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijan and demands their immediate and unconditional release.
- Expresses grave concern over reported torture and ill-treatment and calls for an independent investigation into these violations.
- Urges Azerbaijani authorities to comply with international obligations, including the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.
- Requests the EU and international organizations to facilitate deployment of humanitarian and medical missions to assess the well-being of the detained individuals.
- Stresses the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Armenian political prisoners, ensure their protection, and hold accountable those responsible for mistreatment.
- Calls on the Council to impose targeted sanctions against Azerbaijani officials responsible for human rights violations, including judges Zeynal Agayev, Jamal Ramazanov, and Anar Rzayev.
- Strongly condemns the Azerbaijani government's decision to close offices of UN bodies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which impedes humanitarian efforts and monitoring.
- Calls upon the International Criminal Court and its Chief Prosecutor to investigate forced displacement, persecution, and ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Welcomes the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights' statement demanding unconditional release and safe return of all prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained individuals unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan.
Who is affected
- Armenian prisoners, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, detained by Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijani authorities and officials responsible for human rights violations, including named judges.
- EU and international organizations, including the Council, the International Criminal Court, and UN bodies.
Figures and deadlines
- 23 individuals officially acknowledged as detained by Azerbaijani authorities.
- At least 80 confirmed cases of Armenian captives documented by human rights activists.
- Seven prisoners already sentenced to heavy prison terms in unfair trials.
- Sixteen detainees subjected to unjust trials since 17 January 2025.
- Ruben Vardanyan initiated a hunger strike on 19 February 2025.
Written by AI from the full text · every figure comes from the text · ¶ opens the paragraph · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem
Full text
Text 24 paragraphs
on unlawful detention and sham trial of Armenian hostages,
B100184/2025
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 Azerbaijan and the situation in Nagorno- Karabakh,
– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,
– having regard to the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War,
A. whereas the Azerbaijani authorities have officially acknowledged the detention of 23 individuals - citizens of the Republic of Armenia and of Armenian origins - while human rights activists have documented at least 80 confirmed cases of Armenian captives;
B. whereas there are credible reports of abuse, psychological torture, and unfair trial against the Armenian prisoners held in Baku, including seven who have already been sentenced to heavy prison terms in unfair trials;
C. whereas since 17 January 2025 sixteen detainees, including former military and political leaders of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, have been subjected to unjust trials lacking transparency and due process;
Read the rest (12 paragraphs)
D. whereas philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, imprisoned since September 2023, initiated a hunger strike on 19 February 2025 in protest against his unlawful detention and trial;
E. whereas several reports reveal actions of Azerbaijani authorities that constitute serious violations of international law, including the Geneva Convention (III),
1. Denounces the unjust detention, inhumane treatment, and unfair trials of Armenian prisoners, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan, and demands their immediate and unconditional release;
2. Expresses grave concern over the reported instances of torture and ill-treatment, and calls for an independent investigation into these violations;
3. Urges the Azerbaijani authorities to comply with their international obligations, including the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights;
4. Requests the EU and international organizations to facilitate deployment of humanitarian and medical missions to assess the well-being of the detained individuals;
5. Stresses the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Armenian political prisoners, ensure their protection, and the accountability of those responsible for their mistreatment;
6. Calls on the Council to impose targeted sanctions against Azerbaijani officials responsible for the reported human rights violations, including judges Zeynal Agayev, Jamal Ramazanov, and Anar Rzayev;
7. Strongly condemns the Azerbaijani government’s decision to close the offices of UN bodies and of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which severely impedes international humanitarian efforts and monitoring mechanisms;
8. Calls upon the International Criminal Court and its Chief Prosecutor to investigate cases on the forced displacement, persecution, and ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh;
9. Welcomes the statement of UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, demanding the unconditional release and safe return of all prisoners of war, hostages and other detained individuals unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan, including high-ranking officials of Nagorno-Karabakh;
10.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European Council, the European Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations.