On March 12, the European Parliament held a debate on the situation of Armenian hostages held in Baku under the title “Azerbaijan’s unlawful arrests and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including top political representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

One of the initiators of the debate, MEP Miriam Lexman from Slovakia, stated that more than 20 political hostages in Baku are being held in inhumane conditions and are being subjected to sham trials that could lead to life imprisonment.

“This is the true face of the Aliyev regime, which oppresses its citizens and ignores international obligations. While the EU supports the strategic partnership, the Baku regime continues to threaten its neighbors and undermine efforts towards regional peace. In the current geopolitical climate, the EU must defend its values, especially in its region. Instead, we flatter the oppressor and reward Aliyev’s actions with increased trade. We are not learning the lessons,” Lexman said.

The MEP added that immediate action must be taken and the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages must be secured. “It is time to stop dreaming about strategic partnerships, confront the Iranian regime, and act by our values ​​and principles. We must take immediate action, eliminate the blatant violations of fundamental human rights, and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. It is necessary to impose sanctions on the Azerbaijani prosecutors and judges involved in the sham trials of Armenians held in Baku. We must ensure that any further cooperation with Azerbaijan is based on Baku’s readiness to release all detainees and sign a peace agreement,” he noted.