The European Parliament has passed a resolution on the case of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, who was brutally attacked and arbitrarily detained in Azerbaijan. Dr. Ibadoghlu is a renowned political economist and a prominent opposition figure who has been critical of the Azerbaijani government’s corruption, mismanagement of public finances, and lack of transparency. The resolution calls for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as the release of all political prisoners in Azerbaijan.
The resolution highlights the serious human rights violations and breaches of democracy in Azerbaijan. It strongly condemns Gubad Ibadoghlu’s detention, which is based on fabricated charges, and insists on his immediate access to adequate medical treatment and medication. The resolution also calls for an independent investigation into the reported ill-treatment of Dr. Ibadoghlu and the violations of his due process rights.
Moreover, the European Parliament calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to release all political prisoners, independent journalists, and human rights defenders. The resolution emphasizes that the signing of the future partnership agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union should be conditional on the release of all political prisoners. The EU Delegation is also urged to support Dr. Ibadoghlu’s case by observing his trial, visiting him in detention, and monitoring his health.
The resolution further calls on Azerbaijan to protect its citizens’ human rights and ensure a free and safe environment for the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. The Azerbaijani authorities are also urged to stop extraterritorial repression and to lift the ban on Dr. Ibadoghlu’s relatives leaving the country.
Finally, the European Parliament calls for EU sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime to be imposed on Azerbaijani officials who have committed serious human rights violations. The resolution instructs its President to forward it to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the President, Government, and Parliament of Azerbaijan.
The resolution passed by the European Parliament on the case of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu is a significant step in the fight for human rights in Azerbaijan. The resolution highlights the serious human rights violations and breaches of democracy in Azerbaijan and calls for meaningful action to ensure the release of Dr. Ibadoghlu and all political prisoners. The motion also sends a strong message to the Azerbaijani authorities that the international community is watching and that there will be consequences for human rights violations. The resolution is a crucial step towards justice for Dr. Ibadoghlu and all those who have been unjustly detained in Azerbaijan.
