European Parliament calls for immediate release of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan

ArmInfo. The European Parliament debated on March 12 the motion for a resolution on unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high- ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan, Armenpress reports.

The resolution, which will be put up to vote on March 13, calls for the unconditional release and safe return of all the prisoners of war, hostages and other detained individuals unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan, strongly condemns the shams trials brought against them in violations of due process, and calls for a ban on entry to the EU institutions for Azerbaijani officials responsible for unlawful detentions and human rights violations, among others.

MEP Miriam Lexmann, co-author of the resolution, said in her speech that the sham trials and inhumane treatment of the hostages show "Azeri leader Ilham Aliyev's true face, a regime that is ignoring international obligations."

"While the EU seeks strategic partnership, the Baku regime continues to threaten its neighbors and hinder efforts for regional peace. There is an urgent need in the present geopolitical environment for the EU to protect its values, especially in its direct neighborhood. But instead, we are again trying to appease the dictator and encourage Aliyev's actions by expanding trade cooperation. Haven't we learned lessons? It is time to end the illusions of strategic partnership, face reality and act in accordance with our values and principles," she said.

Co-author, MEP Vasile Dincu called on the EU to sanction Azeri officials for committing judicial violence against the Armenian political prisoners. "We must impose strict sanctions against these officials and encourage the prevention of such violence in the future. The future is far from positive. Given the military situation in the region, we must act now and take concrete measures to not allow a future tragedy," he added.

Co-author, MEP Nathalie Loiseau compared the sham trials against Armenians in Azerbaijan with Stalin- era trials. She said that the hostages are only guilty of "being Armenian."

The MEP expressed regret that EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas was not in attendance at the plenary session.  She called on the top diplomat to visit Armenia and see a country "aspiring for peace and a dream of Europe."

More than ten MEPs representing all political groups of the European Parliament delivered remarks at the debate, calling for a strong EU reaction on the matter, holding Azerbaijan to account and imposing sanctions.

The natural gas bought from Azerbaijan can't be more important that human rights and European values, the MEPs said, stressing that there is no difference between Russian and Azeri gas.

European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen also delivered a speech.

He said that the European Commission has been following the ongoing trials against the Armenian hostages.

"We are aware that human rights organizations have expressed concern regarding the fairness of these trials and the treatment of the defendants. Many of you have expressed similar concern, and today we are treating these issues very seriously, following the developments. The right to a fair trial must be guaranteed and respected. The EU's special representative to the South Caucasus is also closely following these issues and conveying our concerns to Baku authorities," the commissioner told the MEPs, adding that the EU-Azeri ties are based on principles that both sides must adhere to, such as human rights and rule of law.

"Thus, the EU will continue to call on the Azerbaijani government to fulfill its international obligations, which include the right to due process and fair trial. We will utilize all opportunities in order for Azerbaijan to be bound to ensure dignified and safe conditions for the detainees. The reports of torture and inhumane treatment must be urgently and impartially investigated," he added.

He added that the EU will continue to support the Armenian-Azeri normalization process.