The European Parliament has strongly condemned serious human rights violations in Russia, Niger and Georgia, adopting three separate resolutions that call for sanctions, the
release of political prisoners and the restoration of democratic order.
During a vote on Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) highlighted concerns ranging from Russia’s alleged trafficking of foreign nationals for its war against Ukraine, to the continued detention of Niger’s elected president following a military coup, and political repression in Georgia.
Russia accused of trafficking foreign nationals for war in Ukraine
MEPs urged the European Union and its member states to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organizations linked to the recruitment and trafficking of foreign nationals to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.
According to the resolution, Russian-linked networks have allegedly used deceptive job and education offers—often promoted through social media—to recruit people from African countries, Cuba, and parts of South and Central Asia. Many recruits reportedly end up supporting Russia’s military operations.
Lawmakers warned that these tactics may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity. They also called on social media companies to cooperate with authorities to identify and remove content linked to such recruitment schemes.
Parliament also raised concerns about women who were reportedly misled into working in drone assembly factories. MEPs specifically mentioned the case of **Francis Ndung’u Ndarua**, whose whereabouts remain unknown, urging Russia to provide information about his condition and facilitate his return home.
The resolution on Russia was adopted with **479 votes in favour, 17 against and 43 abstentions**.
EU Parliament calls for release of Niger’s president Mohamed Bazoum
In a separate resolution, the European Parliament condemned the continued detention of Mohamed Bazoum, the democratically elected president of Niger who was removed from power during the 2023 military coup.
MEPs denounced the junta’s crackdown on political leaders, journalists and civil society activists since it seized power. They demanded the immediate release of Bazoum and all other detainees arrested after the coup.
Lawmakers also warned that the country’s security and humanitarian situation has deteriorated sharply. They cited increasing human and arms trafficking, as well as rising irregular migration across the Sahel region.
The Parliament expressed concern over Niger’s announcement that it may withdraw from the International Criminal Court, calling it another sign of democratic backsliding in the region.
MEPs called for a return to constitutional rule, including the restoration of political parties and the organization of free and fair elections.
This resolution passed with 524 votes in favour, 2 against and 29 abstentions.
Georgia criticized for political persecution
The European Parliament also condemned what it described as systematic persecution of political opponents and journalists by the ruling Georgian Dream party in Georgia.
MEPs strongly criticized the detention of opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, a member of the Coalition for Change, who was arrested in September. Parliament demanded her immediate release and denounced reports of degrading and inhumane treatment during her detention.
Lawmakers also called for an independent investigation into alleged abuses by security forces, including credible reports that chemical agents were used against protesters.
MEPs expressed particular concern about the continued imprisonment and deteriorating health of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, saying he has effectively been held as a political hostage for more than four years.
The resolution calls on the EU to impose targeted sanctions and a bloc-wide visa ban on individuals associated with the Georgian authorities.
Parliament also reaffirmed its support for the Georgian people and their aspirations for a democratic and European future. In December 2025, the European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to imprisoned Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
The resolution on Georgia was adopted with 438 votes in favour, 37 against and 81 abstentions. Photo by U.S. Department of State from United States, Wikimedia commons.