On April 25, the European Parliament passed a resolution entitled "Repressions against civil society in Azerbaijan, the case of Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu and Ilhamiz Guliyev." 

The resolution demanded the immediate release of Ilhamiz Guliyev, a detained human rights defender, and the withdrawal of charges against Gubad Ibadoglu, who was recently put under house arrest. Additionally, it seeks to revoke restrictions on leaving the country for those involved.

The resolution, supported by 474 out of 529 voting MEPs, with 4 against and 51 abstentions, not only highlights the cases of Ilhamiz Guliyev and Gubad Ibadoglu but also urges the Azerbaijani authorities to free all other political prisoners, including Tofig Yagublu, Akif Gurbanov, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Elnur Shukurov, Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Hafiz Babaly, Elnara Gasimova, Aziz Orujov, Avaz Zeynalli, and Alasgar Mammadli.

Furthermore, the European Parliament prompted the European Commission to reassess the strategic energy partnership with Azerbaijan. The resolution stipulates that any forthcoming partnership agreements with Azerbaijan should be contingent on the release of all political prisoners and an enhancement in the country's overall human rights situation.

In response, the Azerbaijani Parliament, on the same day, April 25, accused the European Parliament of acting under the influence of entities that have “initiated a hostile and defamatory campaign against Azerbaijan” following the Second Karabakh War. The Milli Majlis characterized the adoption of the resolution as a biased political act that lacks objectivity, firmly denying the "groundless accusations based on false and fake information."

The Parliament also declared, "Azerbaijan remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and the consistent implementation of the principles of a legal state," asserting that no external force could deter its path toward democratic development.

On April 26, Aykhan Hajizade, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, criticized the resolution recently adopted by the European Parliament. The ministry described the resolution as unfounded and a distortion of Azerbaijan's human rights record.

Hajizade expressed frustration over what he termed the European Parliament's routine practice of issuing biased and one-sided resolutions. He interpreted this latest move as a clear political mandate driven by certain European forces aiming to exacerbate tensions with Azerbaijan.

The Spokesperson pointed out that a faction within the European Parliament, driven by personal interests and internal motivations, is responsible for promoting a skewed portrayal of the situation in Azerbaijan. Hajizade also suggested that the motives behind such resolutions include an attempt to shift focus from the more urgent socio-economic and political issues facing Europe.

Additionally, he highlighted that calls from the European Parliament for sanctions only further strain the relationship between Azerbaijan and the European Union. Hajizade concluded by urging the European Parliament to cease its interference in the domestic and judicial matters of Azerbaijan.