VP/HR — Arrests of LGBTI activists in Azerbaijan

30.9.2017

Question for written answer P-006148-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Daniele Viotti (S&D)

Since the second half of September, the Azerbaijani police have arrested at least 60 LGBTI activists. This information has been confirmed by a spokesman for the interior minister, who, however, has stated that ‘the raids are not against all sexual minorities. The individuals arrested showed a lack of respect for those around them, have disturbed citizens with their behaviour, or are suffering from infectious diseases according to police or the health authorities’. No clarification was, however, given as to what is meant by ‘behaviour which disturbs citizens’ or ‘lack of respect’.

Under Article 3 TEU, ‘in its relations with the wider world, the Union shall uphold and promote its values’, which include respect for human dignity and human rights (Article 2 TEU).

Is the Vice-President/High Representative aware of this situation and what measures does the EU intend to take to put an end to it and to improve the situation of LGBTI people in Azerbaijan?