Brussels, 18/12/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 17 December, MEPs called for the immediate and unconditional release of Irish national Ibrahim Halawa, who has been in prison for over two years in Egypt for taking part in an illegal demonstration in Cairo on 16-17 August 2013 while he was on holiday.
In a joint resolution adopted by the European Parliament, MEPs underline their deep concern at the deterioration of Halawa's health due to his hunger strike and the bad conditions of his detention. MEPs call on the Egyptian authorities “to accord Mr Halawa and other juveniles with their right to be treated as juveniles in conflict with the law; and provide assurances that the death penalty will not be sought against all the defendants in the case, including Mr Halawa”. MEPs are also concerned at the inability of the Egyptian authorities to “uphold the right to a fair trial of Mr Halawa and his 493 other co-defendants”.
Call for release of political prisoners in the Maldives. In a second resolution adopted by the European Parliament by 563 votes in favour, 31 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in the Maldives - including former president Mohamed Nasheed. The European Parliament states its deep concern at the gradual deterioration of democratic standards and the increasing authoritarian tendencies in the Maldives. It also deplores the repression to which political opponents fall victim. MEPs call for respect of the freedom of expression, association and assembly. Furthermore, they ask the Commission and member states “to issue comprehensive warnings about the Maldives' human rights record to tourists planning to go to the country”.
European Parliament asks Malaysian government for balance between security and rights. In another resolution, the European Parliament deplores the worsening of the human rights situation in Malaysia. MEPs express their concern and call for the immediate withdrawal of draft legislation on the National Security Council. They also call “on the government to maintain a proper balance between the need to safeguard national security and the imperative to protect civil and political rights”. The European Parliament calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners and encourages the government to open a dialogue with opposition parties and civil society stakeholders. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)