Parliament calls for the release of a Portuguese-Belgian national detained and tortured in the Central African Republic

The European Parliament (EP) has approved a resolution condemning human rights violations in the Central African Republic (CAR) against researcher Joseph Figueira Martin, resulting from his detention over a year ago, a situation reported by Nascer do SOL last month.

MEPs consider the detention of the Portuguese-Belgian NGO employee to be "arbitrary" and highlight the "inhumane conditions that worsen his health and threaten his life."

They call for swift authorization of his medical evacuation and demand that, in the meantime, Joseph Figueira Martin be provided with legal representation, consular assistance, and adequate care.

MEPs also highlighted the growing politically motivated foreign interference in that African country, through disinformation campaigns and Russian paramilitary forces, which have played a leading role in illegal and arbitrary detentions and attacks against humanitarian workers.

They also insist that the Wagner Group (a Russian paramilitary force) be recognized by the European Council as a terrorist organization and emphasize that respect for human rights is essential for good cooperation between the European Union and the CAR.

The resolution was approved on Wednesday night with 617 votes in favor, 4 votes against and 18 abstentions.