The European Parliament called for “ sanctions” against those responsible for persistent human rights violations in Cuba in a resolution adopted on Thursday 16 December (393 votes in favour, 150 against and 119 abstentions).
MEPs strongly condemn the “systematic abuses” against protesters, political dissidents, religious leaders, human rights activists and independent artists in Cuba, among others.
They have called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. And have denounced the arbitrary detention of Guillermo Fariñas, winner of the 2010 Sakharov Prize (see EUROPE 10880/32), who has since been released.
MEPs also regret the fact that, despite the entry into force of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement in 2017, the situation regarding democracy and human rights in the country has still deteriorated. They note that under this agreement, Cuba must respect and consolidate the principles of the rule of law, democracy and human rights. Failing that, the agreement can be suspended in case of non-compliances with human rights provisions.
See the report: https://bit.ly/3GQlGHJ (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)