19/12/2024
Today, The European Parliament has adopted the resolution 2024/2994(RSP), condemning the continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV. As an international non-governmental organization (INGO), the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS), we fully endorse this resolution and strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s escalating repression of civil society and independent media.
Dr. Ibadoghlu, a prominent economist and Sakharov Prize finalist, is the key case of the resolution and highlights the harsh realities faced by Azerbaijani citizens challenging the regime in power. Sebastião Bugalho – a representative of the PPE Group – insisted that the ‘price for freedom in Azerbaijan today is life itself’ while the resolution was still in the adoption process. The IRFS supports this metaphor which, along with Dr. Ibadoghlus’ case, conveys the heavy toll that is being paid by activists in the country for the pursuit of liberty and welcomes the resolution. The resolution also draws attention to a systematic crackdown on political opposition, human rights defenders and independent media. Other key figures such as Anar Mammadli, currently in pre-trial detention, and Kamran Mammadli, who was attacked by security forces at COP29, are among those targeted. Journalists from Meydan TV, including Aynur Ganbarova and Aytaj Ahmadova, have also been arrested on politically motivated charges. These actions embody the regime’s efforts to silence dissent and control the narrative inside the cuntry and abroad.
During the European Parliament’s plenary session on December 19, 2024, Michael Bloss, addressing a point of order, urged the Azerbaijani government to lift the travel ban on Dr. Ibadoghlu, allowing him to receive urgent medical treatment and visit the European Parliament. However, the regime has done the opposite, further endangering Dr. Ibadoghlu’s health and violating his fundamental rights. It is worth noting that while a draft Joint Motion for a resolution RC10-0218/2024 in Paragraph 6 demanded strict conditions imposed on Azerbaijan linking human rights and energy export agreements, an amendment softening this stance was rejected. The final resolution was passed in the initial wording, thus signaling strong the EU support for linking human rights with EU-Azerbaijan partnerships.
The IRFS fully supports the resolution’s call for immediate action, including the unconditional release of political prisoners. Additionally, the resolution demands of the Azerbaijani government that it (should) lift its restrictions on independent media and align its laws with the international human rights standards.
At the IRFS we believe the EU must take firm steps to hold Azerbaijan accountable and approve the sanctions called for by the resolution on individuals, such as Fuad Alasgarov, Vilayat Eyvazov and Ali Naghiyev, as well as suspend the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Energy Partnership until Azerbaijan should uphold human rights and release all political prisoners.
This resolution is a significant step in demanding accountability from the Azerbaijani regime. The fight for freedom is an endless fight and the IRFS reiterates its stand in solidarity with all those in Azerbaijan, who continue to risk their lives for fundamental rights and by endorsing the resolution 2024/2994(RSP).
While several names were included in the resolution, many journalists and media professionals remain unjustly detained and urgently need to be released. These individuals include:
- Akif Gurbanov
- Alasgar Mammadli
- Ali Zeynal
- Arshad Ibrahimov
- Aslan Gurbanov
- Avaz Zeynalli
- Aynur Elgunesh
- Aysel Umudova
- Aytaj Ahmadova
- Aziz Orujov
- Bahruz Samadov
- Elnara Gasimova
- Elnur Shukurov
- Farid Mehralizada
- Hafiz Babali
- Ibrahim Humbatov
- Ilkin Amrahov
- Imran Aliyev
- Khayala Aghayeva
- Mahammad Kekalov
- Musfiq Cabbar
- Nargiz Absalamova
- Natig Javadli
- Osman Narimanoglu Rzayev
- Polad Aslanov
- Ramil Babayev
- Ramin Jabrayilzade
- Rashad Ramazanov
- Sevinc Vaqifqizi
- Shamo Emin
- Ulvi Hasanli
Their continued imprisonment underscores the Azerbaijani regime’s ongoing crackdown on independent media and freedom of expression.