Azerbaijan: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on repression of civil society

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President, Honourable Members,

The rule of law and human rights are at the core of EU's relations with Azerbaijan and it will continue to be an important part of our dialogue.

We have repeatedly raised our concerns on the intensification of persecution against civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan, which we see as an attempt to intimidate and silence dissenting voices, and suppress freedom of expression.

Today we are focusing on two cases of detention on politically motivated charges. But repression against many dissident voices in Azerbaijan continues.

Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu is a well-known Azerbaijani economist, political opponent and vocal critic of the government, who had been held in pre-trial detention since July 2023. Mr. [Ilhamiz] Guliyev is a political activist who has been in pre-trial detention since December 2023.

Since November 2023, we have seen several waves of arrests of independent journalists and political activists affiliated with a number of media outlets and non-governmental organizations. At least 16 people have been detained, among them Ilhamiz Guliyev.

Following the last debate in this chamber and the resolution adopted on Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu, we have repeatedly raised our concerns on the rights of detained persons, including their access to medical assistance, independent doctors and International Committee of the Red Cross, both in direct contacts with the authorities and in public statements. We continue to call on Azerbaijan to uphold its obligations under international law.

The European Union Delegation in Baku also regularly conducts trial monitoring in politically motivated cases like Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu, political activist Ilhamiz Guliyev, seriously ill journalist Alasgar Mammadli, public activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, and others. It has also repeatedly requested to visit Dr. Ibadoglu and other prisoners.

Civil society organizations in Azerbaijan are operating under difficult circumstances. Support to these organisations is and will remain a key priority for the European Union, with currently more than €12 million in assistance. We also continue to call on the authorities to allow civil society organizations to operate freely in the country.

Human rights, the rule of law and civil society remain a priority in the EU-Azerbaijan bilateral relations. So therefore, we will continue to call on Azerbaijan to adhere to its obligations under international law, including international human rights law.