Brussels 25.01.2026 The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) urge the Central African Republic to authorise the urgent medical evacuation of Joseph Figueira Martin and call for sanctions against those responsible for his arbitrary detention, mistreatment and conviction.

MEPs condemn the arbitrary detention of Joseph Figueira Martin, a Belgian-Portuguese citizen and humanitarian researcher kidnapped by the Wagner Group in 2024. They denounce the inhumane conditions of his detention as well as his sentencing based on unfounded accusations.

MEPS reiterate the demand for Martin’s immediate release already made in a resolution voted on 10 July 2025, and deplore the continued non-compliance of the Central African Republic authorities, which is further aggravating his situation.

Given the serious deterioration in his health, Parliament demands Martin’s immediate medical evacuation and access to medical care, legal counsel, consular assistance and family visits. They also recommend the deployment of a Parliament ad hoc delegation to the Central African Republic (CAR) to assess his situation and increase pressure for his release.

MEPs call on the Commission, the EU’s High Representative and the Council, alongside the Belgian and Portuguese authorities, to consider targeted restrictive measures against those responsible for Martin’s arbitrary detention, mistreatment and conviction, should the authorities continue violating his rights. They also reiterate their demand that the Wagner Group be listed as a terrorist organisation.

Arrested on 26 May 2024 in Zémio, in the south-east of CAR by Wagner paramilitaries, Joseph Figueira Martin was beaten and tortured before being imprisoned at Camp De Roux in Bangui for 17 months. After 17 months in detention, he was tried and, on 4 November, sentenced to 10 years’ hard labour and a fine of 50 million CFA francs (US$81,000) for undermining state security and criminal association.