24
Apr
2024
Watch
Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev
Mr President, Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev have been detained on political grounds in Azerbaijan, as have many Armenian prisoners of war. Now we heard last Monday that Dr. Ibadoghlu was released, just after the resolution we are discussing tonight came on the agenda. Political pressure helps. Only he can only go home temporarily, for a month. That's not enough. And those other political prisoners are still imprisoned. That is why I want to emphasise two things tonight. First of all: Dr. Ibadoghlu needs urgent medical attention. He has to go to Germany for an operation on his aorta. That is not possible in Azerbaijan, but he has a travel ban. I urge the EEAS and Member State embassies to engage with Azerbaijan. Not in a week, but tomorrow morning, because he will have to be operated on really quickly. It is a matter of life or death. Secondly: Stop energy cooperation with Azerbaijan. Stop tying up with the regime in Baku. There is no respect for human rights. Political prisoners — prisoners of war from Armenia — are in poor conditions there. You can't. That should really be a topic of conversation with Azerbaijan. Because don't forget: Azerbaijan is the country that constantly shows aggression towards Armenia. That's why I brought this scarf. I strongly support Armenia, I am proud of it and I believe that the EU should also stand firmly behind Armenia and speak out against Azerbaijan.