The arbitrary arrest and sentencing of academics Bahruz Samadov and Igbal Abilov in Azerbaijan
MEPs denounce both the Azerbaijani authorities’ misuse of national security provisions as tools for judicial harassment and the criminalisation of freedom of expression, peace advocacy and public criticism in the country.
They call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Bahruz Samadov, a PhD student at Charles University, and Igbal Abilov, a Talysh ethnic minority researcher and editor-in-chief of Talysh National Academy News. MEPs also denounce the unjust and arbitrary sentencing of two other academics, Gubad Ibadoghlu and Fazil Gasimov, and condemn in the strongest possible terms the arrest of Ali Karimli, prominent opposition leader, on 1 December 2025.
MEPs want appropriate measures within the EU global human rights sanctions regime to be taken against the officials responsible and stress that, as stated in Parliament’s previous resolutions, progress on any future partnership agreement should be conditional on tangible advances in human rights, the rule of law and respect for EU values and principles.
The resolution was adopted by 477 votes in favour, 7 against, and with 69 abstentions.
For more details, the resolution will be available here. (18.12.25)
The mass kidnapping of children in Nigeria, including from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri
A mass kidnapping occurred on 21 November, when gunmen abducted more than 300 students and 12 teachers and staff members from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
MEPs express solidarity with the victims, their families and the communities affected and note that repeated attacks in Nigeria have forced widespread school closures, denying millions of children safe access to education. They urge the authorities to limit disruptions and safeguard children’s access to education. Alternative learning arrangements must be provided, MEPs say, to ensure continuity of education for the students affected.
They urge the authorities to conduct independent and effective investigations and to prosecute those responsible, in line with international human rights obligations and the rule of law. The authorities and the international community must act against insecurity and religious, ethnic and intercommunal violence, in particular against Christian communities, which are specifically being targeted, and end the widespread impunity that has emboldened criminal and terrorist groups, MEPs say.
The resolution was adopted by 519 votes in favour, 2 votes against, and with 50 abstentions.
For more details, the resolution will be available here. (18.12.25)
The grave political situation in Guinea-Bissau following the 26 November coup
MEPs reject the military’s unconstitutional seizure of power in Guinea Bissau, three days after the country’s general elections, where the main opposition party, PAIGC, was barred from running. They call for an independent investigation into widespread human rights violations and for those responsible to be held accountable. They demand the immediate and unconditional release of political opposition leaders and condemn the disproportionate use of force by security forces against the population.
The electoral commission must publish the verified electoral results without military or political interference, MEPs say. They urge the EU to review its agreements and funding immediately to ensure that they do not strengthen the junta or other authoritarian structures, and call on the Council to consider imposing restrictive measures on those responsible for the coup and for human rights violations.
The resolution was adopted by 535 votes in favour, no votes against, and with 42 abstentions.
For more details, the resolution will be available here. (18.12.25)
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