06/10/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 5 October, MEPs strongly condemned the politically motivated abduction and detention of Zarema Musaeva, who has been sentenced to five years in prison in Chechnya. In the joint resolution they adopted (502 votes in favour, 13 against and 28 abstentions), MEPs felt that this was retaliation for her sons’ human rights work and political views. Therefore, the European Parliament urges the Chechen authorities to release Ms Musaeva immediately and provide her with proper medical care. It condemns the brutal attacks and repression of civil society, the media and the opposition and calls for an immediate end to all forms of harassment. According to the European Parliament, the EU must respond to Chechnya’s extremely worrying human rights situation and increase aid to Chechen political prisoners and dissidents. (CG)