MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, imprisoned in Azerbaijan

12.9.2023 - (2023/2832(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 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Anna Fotyga, Angel Dzhambazki, Andżelika Anna Możdżanowska, Assita Kanko, Witold Jan Waszczykowski, Anna Zalewska, Eugen Jurzyca, Adam Bielan, Waldemar Tomaszewski
on behalf of the ECR Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0369/2023

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0376/2023

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the case of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, imprisoned in Azerbaijan

(2023/2832(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan,

– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966,

– having regard to Rules 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

1. whereas on 23 July 2023, Dr Ibadoghlu and his wife, Irada Bayramova, were arrested and reportedly physically assaulted by the police during their arrest; whereas videos emerged of Irada Bayramova with bruises over her body;
2. whereas on 24 July, Irada Bayramova was released while Dr Ibadoghlu was sent to pre-trial detention for four months on charges related to the “preparation, acquisition, or sale of counterfeit money to an organised group”; whereas such charges carry a maximum penalty of 8 to 12 years in prison;
3. whereas Dr Ibadoghlu reportedly has limited contact with his family; whereas Dr Ibadoghlu reportedly suffers from type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and a poor eyesight that require medical attention;
4. whereas Dr Ibadoghlu, a prominent anti-corruption researcher, serves as the chairperson of the Azerbaijan Democracy and Prosperity Movement; whereas Dr Ibadoghlu has advocated for democratic principles and socio-economic progress in Azerbaijan and served in senior teaching positions at renowned universities in the United States and Europe;
5. whereas Dr Ibadoghlu researched the rise and prevalence of corruption in the region, including in Azerbaijan, as well as the lack of economic transparency and financial accountability;

 

1. Expresses serious concern about the arrest and deteriorating health of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and the conditions of his detention; calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to urgently provide Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu with the needed medical care, including access to doctors; calls furthermore to respect Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu’s rights, including access to medication and right to due process as well as to release him on humanitarian grounds;
2. Calls on the EU Delegation to monitor Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu’s case, in particular his prison cell conditions and reported obstacles in accessing his lawyer as well as to monitor the situation of other political dissidents and opposition figures;
3. Reminds the Azerbaijani authorities to uphold human dignity and fundamental freedoms;
4. Stresses that EU involvement in the region should be practical and result oriented, unlike Russia’s, which for decades has fuelled conflict and used the region for its own political gains;
5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the relevant parties.