MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – B10-0334/2025

B10‑0334/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic

(2025/2797(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rules 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

1. whereas Joseph Martin, a dual Belgian-Portuguese national and humanitarian consultant, was kidnapped on 26 May 2024 in Zémio, in the Central African Republic (CAR), by the Wagner paramilitary group while working for the NGO FHI 360 on projects addressing poverty alleviation and gender-based violence;
2. whereas he was abducted by the Wagner paramilitary group and held at the Office central de répression du banditisme in Bangui, in solitary confinement for over a month, where he was subjected to physical and psychological torture and received repeated death threats; whereas he was later transferred to Camp de Roux, where he remains in custody under harsh conditions and without trial for over a year; whereas CAR authorities charged him with offences including espionage and conspiracy, among others, based on unsubstantiated accusations that appear politically motivated;
3. whereas FHI 360 and Mr Martin’s legal counsel strongly contest the charges, citing lack of evidence; whereas no trial date has been set and the CAR prosecutor has requested life imprisonment with forced labour; whereas the request for conditional release remains unanswered;
4. whereas Mr Martin’s case has been identified by UN and EU observers as reflecting a broader pattern of disinformation and anti-Western rhetoric fostered by Russian-linked actors in CAR;
5. whereas Mr Martin’s health has seriously deteriorated due to prolonged detention in inadequate conditions and a renewed hunger strike; whereas medical assessments urge urgent evacuation for specialist care not available in CAR;
6. whereas on 26 May 2025, FHI 360 called for his release or a fair trial; whereas human rights organisations have flagged his case;
7. whereas on 20 June 2025, the HR/VP confirmed that the EU has been following the case in close coordination with Belgium and Portugal; whereas both countries provided consular support;

1. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Martin; insists that any judicial proceedings strictly comply with due process guarantees enshrined in the ICCPR and the applicable provisions of CAR’s national legal framework;
2. Strongly urges CAR to allow immediate medical evacuation and ensure access to legal representation, consular assistance, and appropriate care;
3. Expresses grave concern at the prolonged and arbitrary detention of Mr Martin and the serious risks to his life, health and safety;
4. Calls on the HR/VP to step up diplomatic efforts, in close coordination with the Belgian and Portuguese authorities, to secure Mr Martin’s release and ensure his rights are upheld;
5. Stresses that targeting humanitarian workers undermines CAR’s development and deters future cooperation; urges the EU to strengthen protections for its citizens working in fragile contexts;
6. Condemns increasing politically motivated foreign interference in the CAR aimed at discrediting and intimidating humanitarian and civil actors;
7. Stresses the need for targeted EU measures should CAR authorities persist in violating basic rights;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, the Government and Parliament of the CAR, the AU and the UN.