Spanish MEP seeks clarification from EU High Representative Kaia Kallas on Armenian POWs illegally held in Baku

Pernando Barrena Arza, a Spanish MEP and member of the Left group in the European Parliament, has submitted a written question to the Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kallas, requesting clarification regarding the fate of political prisoners and Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan.

According to an Armenpress correspondent in Brussels, the MEP's written request references independent sources stating that more than 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, including prominent figures such as Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu and Anar Mammadliv, are being held under inhumane conditions and are deprived of medical care. “In addition, since 2020, Azerbaijan has continued to illegally detain 23 Armenian prisoners of war, who are subjected to degrading treatment,” it reads.

The MEP demands clarification on whether the EU High Representative, during her meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on December 4 in Malta, called for the release of all political prisoners and whether human rights were prioritized during the discussions.

He also inquires whether Azerbaijan has been given a deadline for the release of Armenian prisoners held in Baku, and whether the EU has warned Azerbaijani officials of potential sanctions, as the European Parliament has repeatedly demanded.

Through these questions, the Spanish MEP highlights the EU's ongoing challenge in balancing diplomatic and economic relations with Azerbaijan, particularly in the area of energy cooperation, while addressing growing concerns about human rights violations. The MEP has not yet received a response to his written question.