Azerbaijan is not fulfilling its commitments to the Council of Europe – PACE

On January 27, during the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, a debate was held on the state of affairs in member states in 2024. As a result, Resolution No. 2580 was adopted, stating that PACE highly appreciates the work of the Monitoring Committee, which oversees the situation in 14 countries. The document expresses concern about the backsliding of democracy and human rights violations in several countries, including Azerbaijan and Georgia.

In particular, the Assembly is "seriously concerned about the further deterioration of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Azerbaijan. Specifically, the continuing repression against political and civil activists, media representatives, and other government critics."

The resolution calls on the authorities to cease persecution and immediately release all those detained on politically motivated charges.

The authorities are urged to amend the laws on political parties, media, and NGOs in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission.

The Assembly also strongly condemns the authorities' refusal to cooperate with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture.

Furthermore, the Assembly condemned the refusal to invite PACE to observe the early presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024.

"In the opinion of international observers, the mentioned elections did not meet international standards for democratic elections and were held under increased restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association."

"The Assembly firmly condemns and considers unacceptable the decision of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs to declare 76 members of PACE, who voted for the suspension of Azerbaijan's delegation, persona non grata on August 26, 2024."

PACE called on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately lift this ban and begin a constructive dialogue with the bodies of the Council of Europe on all unresolved issues.

The document also states that PACE "continues to monitor the situation" with the detained Karabakh separatists and other arrested Armenians, "reiterating the call for Azerbaijan to release these individuals."