Propuesta de resolución - B7-0294/2013Propuesta de resolución
B7-0294/2013
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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Azerbaijan: in particular the case of Ilgar Mammadov

11.6.2013 - (2013/2668(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure

Charles Tannock, on behalf of the ECR Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0289/2013

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.
Procedimiento : 2013/2668(RSP)
Ciclo de vida en sesión
Ciclo relativo al documento :  
B7-0294/2013
Textos presentados :
B7-0294/2013
Textos aprobados :

B7‑0294/2013

European Parliament resolution on Azerbaijan: in particular the case of Ilgar Mammadov

(2013/2668(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to previous resolutions on Azerbaijan;

–  having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EC and Azerbaijan, which entered into force in 1999,

–  having regard to the established relationship between the EU and Azerbaijan represented by the implementation of the ENP Action Plan, the creation of the Eastern Partnership, the development of the Association Agreement alongside participation from Azerbaijan in the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly,

- having regard to the statement by the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton and by the EU Enlargement Commission, Stefan Fule, of 9th February 2013,

- having regard to the statement of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thornbjorn Jagland of 3rd May 2013,

- having regard the joint statement of 52 Azerbaijan civil society organisations requesting the release of Mammadov and Yagublu;

– having regard to Rule 122(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas on February 4, 2013 Ilgar Mammadov, a prominent Azerbaijani political analyst, Chairman of the “REAL” party, a candidate in the upcoming 2013 Azerbaijani elections, and Tofig Yagublu, deputy chair of the opposition political party Musavat and a journalist with opposition daily Yeni Musavat, have been arrested in connection with a January 24 protest in Ismayilli, where several clashes took place between law enforcement and protesters calling for the governor’s resignation

 

B. whereas Mammadov and Yagublu were falsely charged with “organisation of or participation in actions inciting social unrest” and are still held in pretrial custody;

 

C. whereas during the investigation additional false charges were brought against them, including “organising mass acts of violence” and “violence against an official”, which could even lead to 10-year imprisonment;

 

D. Whereas a group of Council of Europe ambassadors visiting Azerbaijan was not allowed to visit Ilgar Mammadov in prison;

 

E. whereas Azerbaijan is a member of the Council of Europe, signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, and has taken up a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period of 2012 - 2013;

 

F. whereas Azerbaijan and the European Union are engaged in the negotiations of the Association Agreement and the furthering of cooperation initiatives grounded in the framework of the Eastern Partnership;

 

G. whereas the overall human rights situation in Azerbaijan has deteriorated over the last few years, with growing pressure and intimidation from the authorities on political opposition, NGOs and independent media;

 

H. whereas Azerbaijan has a history of harassment of the political opposition, critical journalists, human rights defenders, and others seeking to express their opinions, investigate issues of public interest or criticising the government;

 

I. whereas journalists in Azerbaijan continue to face prosecution on bogus charges, harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks;

 

J. whereas Azerbaijani authorities have recently requested the downgrade of the OSCE mission in Baku to the status of “project-coordination office” which is seen as an attempt to limit the anticipated OSCE criticism of the presidential elections scheduled for October 2013;

 

1.  Strongly condemns the detention of Ilgar Mammadov and Tofig Yagublu and calls for prompt disclosure of any credible evidence indicating their engagement in activities that constitute criminal wrongdoing;

 

2. Expresses its conviction that failure to do so would prove that charges brought against them were false and politically motivated;

 

3. Calls the Azeri authorities to ensure release Mammadov and Yagubly pending an independent and impartial investigation into charges against them;

 

4. Calls on the authorities of Azerbaijan to ensure proper treatment and safety of Ilgar Mammedov and Tofig Yagublu during their detention;

 

5. Expresses its concern over deteriorating human rights situation in the country, including intimidation of the political opposition and independent media;

 

6. Is particularly concerned with harassment and interference in the work of independent civil society groups, human rights defenders and NGOs; in this regard calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to guarantee freedom of assembly and association, respect the work of human rights defenders and ensure that legislation concerning NGOs is implemented accordingly;

 

7. Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to bring the legislation on elections, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and media freedom into line with international standards and to ensure its full implementation; urges the Azerbaijani authorities to step up its efforts to reform all aspects of the judicial system: prosecution, trial, sentencing, detention and appeals;

 

8. Reiterates its position that the Association Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan currently being negotiated must include clauses and benchmarks which refer to the protection and promotion of human rights, also enshrined in the Constitution of Azerbaijan and commitments made by Azerbaijan in the framework of the Council of Europe and the OSCE;

 

9. Regrets the actions taken by the authorities of Azerbaijan, including President Aliyev, against Azeri writer Akram Alisli, who was stripped of his national awards and monthly literary stipend after publishing a book on Armenian - Azerbaijani reconciliation;

 

10. Is concerned about the request made by the Azerbaijani authorities to downsize the activities of the OSCE mission in Baku, which came only a few weeks after the mission’s election budget and organisation were approved and six months before the presidential elections;

 

11.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the EEAS, the Governments and Parliaments of the EU Member States and Azerbaijan, and the UN Human Rights Council.