European Parliament demands release of Armenian hostages

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on October 8 condemning political repression and human rights violations in Azerbaijan and demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Armenian hostages and POWs held in Baku, including former senior officials of Artsakh. The resolution passed with 492 votes in favor, 23 against, and 60 abstentions.
Member of the European Parliament Marina Mesure, one of the resolution’s co-authors, revealed that Armenian hostages were initially excluded from the draft. Following negotiations this week, she secured their inclusion in the final text.
Paragraph 4 expresses deep concern over the continued detention of Armenian political prisoners and POWs, including former high-ranking representatives of Artsakh. It demands their immediate and unconditional release and respect for their fundamental rights.
Addressing the European Parliament, Mesure criticized the EU’s failure to translate repeated condemnations of Azerbaijan into concrete action.