Brussels, 28/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 27 March, the Spanish Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the European Union:
"The EU welcomes the acquittal of Safiya Hussaini by the Sokoto Sharia Court of Appeal. The EU considers of the utmost importance that Ms Hussaini is ensured all her human rights and fully reintegrated into society. The EU acknowledges the important role played by civil society, in particular represented by all human beings and non-governmental organisation associated with this case. The EU reiterates its position on the death penalty and remains concerned that similar sentences may be imposed on other women accused of adultery. The EU takes note of the letter by the Minister of Justice dated 18 Mach 2002 and encourages the government of Nigeria to continue to work towards the abolition of the death penalty and the prevention of all forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries Norway and Liechtenstein, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration".