Deputies representing the German Bundestag and the European Parliament have reminded the Azerbaijani government of its commitments and acknowledged the potential for cooperation. However, they also expressed their support for the sanctions demand outlined in the resolution they adopted.

Eighteen deputies from the German Bundestag and the European Parliament have addressed the Azerbaijani government and President Ilham Aliyev at a time of increasing repression against the media and civil society in Azerbaijan. In their statement, they called on the country’s leadership to grant amnesty to political prisoners and secure their release.

The deputies recalled that Azerbaijan, as a member of the Council of Europe, has committed to protecting the rights of its citizens and safeguarding fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, press freedom, and the rights to assembly and association.

The letter emphasized that these universal rights are not only the foundation of the European Union but also serve as a crucial basis for stability, progress, and international dialogue. However, Azerbaijan’s increasing violations of these commitments have been observed with growing concern.

“Since 2023, we have witnessed a sharp rise in systematic intimidation measures against human rights defenders, peace activists, political opposition, the LGBTQ+ community, and independent media. These persecutions and pressures have been particularly evident during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku. Journalists, activists, and opposition figures have been arrested on dubious charges. Currently, there are over 350 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, along with at least 23 Armenian military captives, including former officials of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,” the letter stated.

The deputies specifically mentioned economist Gubad Ibadoghlu, human rights defender Anar Mammadli, and young researcher Bahruz Samadov as victims of the repressive regime, expressing deep concern about their fate.

The letter, signed by the deputies, also expressed alarm over the arrest of numerous journalists, including those from “Abzas Media”, who were investigating corruption before and after the UN Climate Change Conference. It was noted that in December 2024, employees of “Meydan TV”, an independent Azerbaijani media organization based in Berlin, were also detained on politically motivated charges.

“These incidents exemplify the repression faced by independent media professionals. Last week, ‘Turan’, the only independent media agency operating in the country, announced that it would cease its activities. This underscores the severe consequences of the ongoing pressure on independent media,” the letter emphasized.

The deputies expressed deep concern over reports from human rights organizations and political prisoners regarding politically motivated arrests and detention conditions, including systematic torture and denial of medical care. They stated that Azerbaijan is openly violating the international agreements it has ratified.

The letter noted that the deputies take Amnesty International’s comprehensive report, presented to the Council of Europe on January 23 this year, very seriously.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the government should not obstruct the work of independent media and non-governmental organizations and should regulate the legal framework in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice Commission to ensure their free operation.

The deputies called on the Azerbaijani government to adhere to its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly to uphold freedom of expression, assembly, and press freedom, as a foundation for establishing reliable international partnerships. “We are confident that improving the human rights situation in Azerbaijan is a fundamental condition for cooperation with Germany and the European Union. Future and existing collaborations must be based on compliance with human rights standards,” the letter stated.

The deputies also reaffirmed their support for the commitments outlined in the European Parliament’s resolution on Azerbaijan, adopted on January 19 last year, including calls for sanctions.

Additionally, they emphasized that a credible, peace-oriented policy toward Armenia should be a key condition for Germany’s and Europe’s cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Once again, the deputies urged the Azerbaijani government to take these necessary steps, which are crucial for the well-being of the Azerbaijani people, the country’s society, and its international reputation.