The European Parliament, in a resolution adopted today, has called on Azerbaijan to release Armenian prisoners of war
In the resolution, which was approved with 453 votes in favor, 31 against, and 89 abstentions, the European Parliament addressed the forced displacement of 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh in 2023, labeling Azerbaijan’s actions as ethnic cleansing. The institution called on Azerbaijan to allow the safe return of the Armenian population to Artsakh, to guarantee the protection of their rights, and to respect their land and property rights, among other demands.
One of the key points of the resolution concerns the 23 Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan. The call has been made to release all of them. The results of reports were also noted, indicating that the 23 Armenian prisoners are currently held in Azerbaijani prisons without proper legal representation. There are also violations reported regarding the eight former leaders of Artsakh detained in Azerbaijan, some of whom have already been sentenced to long-term imprisonment.
The actions initiated by Azerbaijan in September 2023 have been deemed ethnic cleansing in the resolution, violating norms of international human rights law. Such violations also include the destruction of cultural, religious, and historical heritage by Azerbaijan. A specific point in the resolution calls on Azerbaijan to preserve historical and cultural monuments in accordance with UNESCO requirements.
However, the resolution includes points not only about Azerbaijan-Armenia and Azerbaijan-Artsakh relations but also records specific illegal actions taking place within Azerbaijan. The resolution has called on Azerbaijan to release 300 political prisoners, eliminate press unfreedom, and more. The early presidential elections that took place in Azerbaijan under limited conditions have also been addressed.