Brussels, 19/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - The date 18 September marks the anniversary of the day when Eritrean parliamentarians were arbitrarily imprisoned in 2001. They have been held as political prisoners since then, totally cut off from the outside world and deprived of all their rights. The EU reiterates its deep concern at these continuing violations of human rights.
In a statement published on Wednesday, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton refers in particular to the continued detention of eleven prominent members of parliament and of the People's Front for Democracy and Justice, and also - since 23 September 2001 - of ten independent journalists, including the Eritrean-Swedish citizen, Dawit Isaak. Ashton reiterates her call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners being held in Eritrea.
“While in 2013 some journalists and media operators were freed, there were allegations of new arrests and detention without trial, including following the 21 January 2013 events. I am also very concerned about the reported deaths of some of the political prisoners and the deterioration of the medical situation of others”, Ashton said.
The High Representative deplores the fact that the Eritrean authorities have turned a deaf ear to the repeated calls from the international community, and reminds the government of its obligations, especially those enshrined in the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. (AN/transl.jl)