Fernando Barrena Arzan, a Basque member of the Left group in the European Parliament representing Spain, has submitted a written inquiry to European Commission Vice President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. He has demanded answers from the EU's top diplomat regarding the fate of political prisoners in Azerbaijan and the serious concerns surrounding Armenian captives.

“Azerbaijan has been illegally holding 23 Armenian prisoners since 2020, subjecting them to degrading treatment,” the inquiry states, according to Armenpress.

In his inquiry, the European lawmaker cites independent sources indicating that over 300 political prisoners, including prominent figures such as Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu and Anar Mammadli, are being held in inhumane conditions in Azerbaijan, deprived of essential medical care.

Barrena has requested clarification on whether, during the December 4 meeting in Malta with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, the EU's top representative demanded the release of all political prisoners and whether human rights were given priority in the discussions.

He also inquired whether a deadline had been set for the release of Armenian prisoners in Baku and if the EU had warned Azerbaijani officials of possible sanctions, as the European Parliament has repeatedly urged.

With these inquiries, the MEP highlights the challenges the EU faces in its diplomatic and economic relations with Azerbaijan, particularly concerning energy cooperation and mounting concerns over human rights violations.

The lawmaker has yet to receive a response to his inquiry.

In September 2023, following a nine-month blockade of Artsakh and the ethnic cleansing of its Armenian population, Azerbaijan captured former Artsakh presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as former state minister Ruben Vardanyan, foreign minister Davit Babayan, and several other former leaders. The fabricated charges against them could lead to life imprisonment. On January 17, the first court hearing in Baku was held regarding the case of the Artsakh leaders.

On January 16, Ruben Vardanyan stated in a message that he has not given any testimony since his arrest, except for his name. He emphasized that all protocols signed in his name are falsified and confirmed that he, his lawyer, and his interpreter have been subjected to pressure.