"Any bilateral dialogue should be based on a clear commitment to the respect for human rights"
On the occasion of the EP plenary debate on Egypt on 3rd October 2017, Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT) stated:
“I consider it worthwhile stating that at the basis of any bilateral dialogue there should be a clear commitment to the values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in the preamble to the Association Agreement”.
“I find unacceptable the numerous occurrences of forced disappearances and torture conducted by the Egyptian authorities, which have increased in recent years. Among these, worthy of attention is the case of Ibrahim Metawly, a prominent lawyer arrested at Cairo airport on his way to Geneva to address the UN Human Rights Council. He is being detained in isolation, under inhumane conditions, with no access to his lawyer or his family", Chair Panzeri added.