Press release – MEPs denounce violations of human rights and international law by Azerbaijan
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday condemning Azerbaijan’s “gross violations” of human rights, international law and democratic principles, including the recent detention of dozens of journalists, activists and political opponents.
The resolution, which was adopted by 533 votes to 39, with 46 abstentions, calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all “political prisoners”, including journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, who was forcibly returned to Azerbaijan from Georgia in 2017 and sentenced to six years in prison on trumped-up charges.
MEPs also condemned the Azerbaijani government’s “systematic suppression of dissent”, including the “judicial harassment, intimidation and criminalisation” of independent media and civil society organisations.
The resolution calls on the EU and its member states to “take all necessary measures” to ensure that Azerbaijan respects human rights and international law. This includes imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations and supporting civil society groups in Azerbaijan.
The resolution also expresses concern about the “escalating tensions” between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. MEPs call on both sides to respect the ceasefire and to engage in “meaningful dialogue” to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Background
The resolution comes amid growing international concern about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. In recent months, dozens of journalists, activists and political opponents have been detained on politically motivated charges.
The Azerbaijani government has also cracked down on independent media, with several outlets being closed or forced to operate in exile.
The resolution is the latest in a series of steps taken by the European Parliament to address human rights violations in Azerbaijan. In 2016, the Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the Azerbaijani authorities to respect freedom of expression and assembly.
Reaction
The Azerbaijani government has denounced the resolution as “biased” and “unfair”.
In a statement, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said that the resolution was based on “groundless allegations” and that it “grossly distorts” the situation in Azerbaijan.
Further information
- Resolution on Azerbaijan: gross human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents
- Statement by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on the European Parliament resolution
Press release – MEPs denounce violations of human rights and international law by Azerbaijan
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Please search for “Press release – MEPs denounce violations of human rights and international law by Azerbaijan” which is rapidly rising on Press releases and explain in detail. Answers should be in English.
142