Brussels, 18/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution adopted on Thursday 17 June, the members of the European Parliament called on the Egyptian authorities to “change course” and to take “concrete measures” to ensure the “full and entire application” of the provisions of the new constitution on fundamental freedoms and rights. Amongst other things, they deplored media and internet censorship and restriction of access to certain blogs and social networks. They called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of all persons held, accused or sentenced for having peacefully exercised their freedom of expression and assembly, and of all human rights defenders. MEPs also urged the representatives of the EU delegation and of the embassies of the member states to attend the politically sensitive trials of Egyptian and foreign journalists, bloggers, unionists and civil society activists.
Strongly condemning all acts of violence carried out by the public authorities, MEPs called for these to cease immediately. “It is the responsibility of the Egyptian public authorities to guarantee the safety of all citizens”, they added, calling for “independent, serious and impartial” investigations to be carried out in the short term into the cases of disproportionate use of force by representatives of the security forces and public authorities.
The MEPs also called on the Egyptian authorities to guarantee free and fair trials, to ensure that the rights of those on trial are respected, and to decree a moratorium on executions. (CG)