In a joint statement from the ECR, Greens/EFA, S&D, ALDE and EPP on Thursday 15 June on Pakistan, and more particularly the situation facing human rights activists and the death penalty, MEPs have expressed concern at the deterioration noted in Pakistan in terms of respect for human rights and the rule of law.
In the resolution, the MEPs stress the increase in the number of extrajudicial killings and acts of intimidation and the use of force against journalists, human rights activists, NGOs and opponents of the government.
Recalling the EU’s opposition to the death penalty, the MEPs call on Pakistan to restore a moratorium with the aim of fully abolishing capital punishment in the long term (see EUROPE 11277). They say they are deeply concerned by reports of application of the death penalty after trials marred by irregularities, the execution of minors and people suffering from mental problems, and allegations of torture. The European Parliament calls for all death penalties based on accusations of blasphemy or political dissidence to be commuted.
The MEPs also call for an immediate and transparent transition to independent civil courts, deploring the use of military tribunals. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)