The presidential elections in Honduras, the non-recognition of the outcome by the incumbent administration and the attacks on opposition members of the National Assembly
Following the elections held in Honduras on 30 November 2025, Parliament recognises Nasry Asfura as president-elect and stresses the need to respect the will of the Honduran people. MEPs reject the incumbent government’s decree ordering a recount, which they consider unconstitutional and an attack on Honduran democracy.
MEPs also condemn the violence against opposition member Gladys López, call for accountability against the perpetrators and urge the Honduran government to end violence towards and intimidation of the opposition. Parliament calls on all parties to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful transfer of power and address the persistent poverty, inequality and insecurity in the country. MEPs urge the outgoing administration to abide by the election results and guarantee the safety and security of the National Electoral Council. They also call on the President of the outgoing Congress, Luis Redondo, to stop preventing the newly elected Chamber from taking office and urge the Honduran authorities to implement the recommendations of the EU election observation mission.
The resolution was adopted by show of hands. For further details, the resolution will be available here (22.1.26).
The case of Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic
MEPs condemn the arbitrary detention of Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese citizen and humanitarian researcher kidnapped by the Wagner Group in 2024. They denounce the inhumane conditions of his detention as well as his sentencing based on unfounded accusations.
MEPS reiterate the demand for Martin’s immediate release already made in a resolution voted on 10 July 2025, and deplore the continued non-compliance of the Central African Republic authorities, which is further aggravating his situation.
Given the serious deterioration in his health, Parliament demands Martin’s immediate medical evacuation and access to medical care, legal counsel, consular assistance and family visits. They also recommend the deployment of a Parliament ad hoc delegation to the Central African Republic (CAR) to assess his situation and increase pressure for his release.
MEPs call on the Commission, the EU’s High Representative and the Council, alongside the Belgian and Portuguese authorities, to consider targeted restrictive measures against those responsible for Martin’s arbitrary detention, mistreatment and conviction, should the authorities continue violating his rights. They also reiterate their demand that the Wagner Group be listed as a terrorist organisation.
The resolution was adopted by 582 votes in favour, no votes against and with 35 abstentions. For more details, the resolution will be available here. (22.1.26)
The arbitrary prosecution and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong
Parliament condemns in the strongest terms the Hong Kong authorities’ arbitrary prosecution of pro-democracy activist and British citizen Jimmy Lai. MEPs fear that the life of the 78-year-old, who has been held for more than 1,800 days in solitary confinement, is in danger. They warn that Lai’s prosecution, which could result in life imprisonment, is an instance of state security laws being used to eliminate independent media, free speech and political opposition in Hong Kong.
MEPs call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with China and Hong Kong and ask the Commission to initiate the suspension of Hong Kong’s status under the World Trade Organization. They urge the Council to adopt sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Chief Executive John Lee and all officials responsible for the crackdown on freedoms. The EU delegation must step up its diplomatic engagement and monitoring regarding Lai’s situation and related cases, MEPs say.
The resolution was adopted by 503 votes in favour and 9 against, with 100 abstentions. For more details, the resolution will be available here. (22.1.26)
Discussion about this post