Brussels, 04/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 February, Europeans condemned the murder of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kassasbeh by Islamic State (IS).
On Tuesday 3 February, IS published a video of a man being burned alive in a cage, stating that it was the Jordanian pilot captured after the crash of his F-16 plane in Syria on 24 December. According to the official television channel of the Kingdom of Jordan, the killing reportedly took place on 3 January.
“The murder of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh constitutes the latest illustration of the denial by Da'esh [IS] of the most elementary human values and rights”, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in a press release. She stated that the EU remained determined to mobilise all means at its disposal to fight terrorism. “We are working in these very hours to finalise our set of measures”, she added. The EU foreign affairs ministers discussed the issue of terrorism on 19 January (see EUROPE 11233).
Describing the murder as “sickening”, British Prime Minister David Cameron said he believed that this murder once again showed that IS is the incarnation of evil. “It is totally incomprehensible that human beings are capable of such a horrific act”, said Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel. France's President François Hollande “strongly” condemned this “barbaric murder”. “France and Jordan will continue to act together against the terrorists and for peace in the Middle East”, he added.
EU calls for response to IS acts to be compatible with human rights. Mogherini also reiterated her opposition to the death penalty. On 4 February, the Jordanian government - which had promised a “terrible” response in reaction to the murder of its pilot - executed Sajida al Rishawi from Iraq, who had been sentenced to death for involvement in the murderous attacks in Jordan in 2005. IS wanted an exchange of the pilot for Sajida al Rishawi. Jordan also executed Ziad Karbouli, an Al-Qaeda leader.
“While all efforts must be made to counter terrorism and hold the perpetrators accountable, our reaction to the threat posed by Da'esh needs to be consistent with our common values on justice and the rights of prisoners”, Mogherini stated. “Our action has to be guided by the respect of international human rights law and humanitarian law”, she added. Mogherini also reiterated that the European position against the death penalty remained unchanged and that capital punishment did not serve any deterrent purpose.
“Very much aware” that Jordan is “on the front line in the battle” against IS and plays a “critical role” in contributing to stability in the region, including through welcoming refugees, Mogherini stated that Jordan was “a valuable partner of the EU and the international community in our common fight against terrorism”. “We are determined to pursue our efforts to enhance security and counter-terrorism cooperation between the EU and Jordan, in the framework of our privileged partnership and in line with European principles of respecting human rights”, she added. (CG)