On December 18, the European Parliament adopted a new resolution concerning the human rights situation in Azerbaijan.

The resolution strongly condemns the arrests of researchers Bahruz Samedov and Iqbal Abilov. The document emphasizes that since the beginning of 2025, the number of people arrested on political grounds in the country has reached approximately 400. Among those detained are journalists, academics, and human rights defenders.

The resolution states that Iqbal Abilov and Bahruz Samedov were sentenced to 18 and 15 years of imprisonment, respectively, on charges of treason. Their trials were held behind closed doors, violating international standards of fair trial, and the evidence presented was based solely on their contacts with Armenian scientists. The health of both academics has deteriorated during their imprisonment.

The document also mentions the arrest of the chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Ali Kerimli, on December 1st, on charges of attempting a coup d’état.

The European Parliament calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately release all political prisoners, ensure fair trials, and end the repression. It also protests against the arrest of Ali Kerimli and demands his immediate release. The resolution expresses concern about the use of national security legislation to restrict freedom of expression and academic freedoms, and calls for national legislation to be brought into line with international human rights standards.

The European Parliament proposes considering measures against responsible officials under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. Furthermore, the EU Delegation in Baku is instructed to closely monitor these cases.

The document emphasizes that future partnership agreements with Azerbaijan should be conditional on real progress in the areas of human rights, the rule of law, and the release of political prisoners.

The resolution also criticizes human rights violations outside Azerbaijan’s borders, in particular plans for targeted killings in the European Union and destabilizing campaigns aimed at interfering in the internal affairs of EU member states.

553 Members of the European Parliament participated in the vote on the resolution: 477 voted in favor, and 7 against.