Urgent appeal regarding the case of Joseph Figueira Martin

Priority question for written answer P-004194/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Bruno Gonçalves (S&D), Francisco Assis (S&D)

Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese citizen, was abducted by the Wagner Group and subsequently detained in the Central African Republic for over 500 days under deplorable conditions. Given the lack of credible and substantiated evidence justifying such decision, the Parliament, in its resolution of 10 July 2025[1], called for his immediate and unconditional release.

It has been established that Mr Martin's trial will start on 28 October 2025. However, there is no certainty regarding the fairness of this process, in addition to the lack of meaningful diplomatic developments. We hereby reaffirm the need for urgent action in safeguarding the rights of this EU citizen, and request your reaction to the following questions:

• 1.What direct diplomatic efforts have been taken by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) and will be taken to ensure the safety and release of Mr Martin?
• 2.What steps will the VP/HR take to ensure that Mr Martin has access to a fair and independent trial and does that include the possibility to dispatch observers to his trial?
• 3.Is the VP/HR willing to impose targeted EU measures should the Central African Republic authorities persist in violating his rights, as requested by the Parliament?

Submitted: 24.10.2025

• [1] Texts adopted, P10_TA(2025)0162.