<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The People's Party (PP) Parliamentary Group in Congress has called on the government to urge the Azerbaijani authorities to demand "the immediate and unconditional release" of human rights activist Anar Mammadli and to condemn "democratic setbacks" in that country.</strong></h4> In a non-legislative motion presented on February 27 for debate in the Foreign Affairs Committee and admitted for processing on March 4 by the Congress Bureau, the PP denounces that, "in the 21st century, there are many countries where attempts are being made to undermine the freedom that has given the West decades of stability." This is the case of Azerbaijan, which, "despite being a member of the Council of Europe since 2001 and a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights," has shown a worrying deterioration in respect for fundamental rights. "The case of Anar Mammadli is a clear example of a pattern of repression against human rights defenders, academics, journalists, and civil society activists," it continues. "Anar Mammadli, director of the Center for the Study of Election Monitoring and Democracy, the only independent electoral monitoring body in Azerbaijan, and winner of the Václav Havel Prize in 2014 for his outstanding work in defense of human rights, has been in pretrial detention since April 30, 2024." International organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have denounced that "his detention is politically motivated, in retaliation for his work in favor of human rights and democracy," the PP denounces. Since his arrest six months ago, “Mammadli has seen his physical and mental health seriously deteriorate,” despite which, “he has reportedly not received adequate medical treatment and has been denied access to independent medical examinations, which puts his life at risk and constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights.” “These events reflect a context of persecution and repression in Azerbaijan, where the authorities attempt to silence critical voices and restrict fundamental freedoms,” the PP denounces. “As a country committed to the defense of human rights, Spain has a duty to speak out in defense of those who are unjustly persecuted for their work in favor of freedom, justice, and democracy,” the PP warns. “Furthermore, as an active member of the European Union, we must cooperate closely with our European partners and international institutions to ensure that the values we share are not violated,” it adds. Therefore, the motion urges the government to "demand the immediate and unconditional release of Anar Mammadli" and to guarantee him "optimal medical care." It also demands that Spain condemn "the democratic setbacks taking place in Azerbaijan" and urge the country to "fulfill its international commitments as a member of the Council of Europe, ensuring respect for human rights and the protection of activists and civil society."
