PACE Calls on Azerbaijan to Immediately Release 23 Armenian Detainees

STRASBOURG  – On January 26 in Strasbourg, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution titled “Progress of the Assembly’s Monitoring Procedure,” which, among other issues, addresses the situation of 23 Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan. PACE called for their immediate release.

The document examines the fulfillment of democratic obligations by Council of Europe member states, including Armenia and Azerbaijan. In the section concerning Armenia, the Assembly expresses regret over what it describes as “excessive polarization and the labeling of political opponents from all sides.” The authors also voice deep concern over tensions between Armenia’s prime minister and the head of the Armenian Church, as well as reports alleging plans by several clergy members of the Armenian Apostolic Church to seize power.

At the same time, the Assembly reaffirmed that the three consecutive elections held in Armenia since 2018 were free of irregularities. Nevertheless, ahead of the nationwide elections scheduled for June 2026, the resolution calls for improved relations between the political majority and the opposition, urging restraint from personal insults and hate speech.

With regard to Azerbaijan, PACE notes a further deterioration of the human rights situation and an increase in politically motivated arrests. The resolution places a clear demand on the authorities in Baku to halt punitive prosecutions against political opponents. The Assembly urges the immediate release of all individuals detained on political grounds, including the 23 Armenian detainees, human rights defenders, and journalists and media workers involved in the Abzas Media case.

From a broader regional perspective, PACE welcomed the initialing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to the resolution, this step paves the way for a final settlement of the long-standing conflict and the establishment of lasting peace in the region. The Assembly calls on both sides to fully ratify the peace agreement.