European Parliament resolution calls for Bahruz Samadov's release

The European Parliament called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release political prisoners, including scientists Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov.

Original reporting by Caucasian Knot.

On December 18, the European Parliament adopted a resolution "On the arbitrary arrest and sentencing of scientists Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan." The resolution notes that "the number of people arrested in Azerbaijan for political reasons this year has reached 400." 

These are mainly opposition leaders, members of civil society, human rights activists, journalists and academic researchers, the document states.

Particular attention is given to the cases of Bahruz Samadov, a doctoral candidate at Charles University in the Czech Republic, and Igbal Abilov, a researcher of Talysh culture, who were arrested and convicted on charges of treason.

"The trials of both scientists were held behind closed doors, in violation of international fair trial standards and the presumption of innocence, the alleged evidence consisted only of contacts and correspondence with the Armenian scientists, and their health deteriorated while in detention," the resolution further notes.

The resolution also points to the arrest "as part of the strengthening of authoritarian methods" of the chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Ali Karimli, on charges of attempting to seize power. 

The European Parliament has demanded that the Azerbaijani authorities immediately release political prisoners, including Bahruz Samadov, Igbal Abilov and economist Gubad Ibadoghlu.

 The European Parliament also called on Azerbaijan to respect and bring its legislation into line with international human rights obligations and standards, including freedom of expression and academic freedom. 

The European Parliament also called on the European Union to continue to support human rights and democratic governance in Azerbaijan, including by strengthening its assistance to civil society. The European Parliament also proposes considering measures against responsible officials under the EU's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. 

The document emphasizes that future partnership agreements with Azerbaijan must be conditioned on genuine progress in human rights, the rule of law, and the release of political prisoners. The resolution also condemns human rights violations outside Azerbaijan, in particular targeted assassination plots within the European Union. 

The resolution was adopted by 477 votes in favor, seven against and 69 abstentions.