New case of anti-communism

24.6.2008

ORAL QUESTION H-0509/08
for Question Time at the part-session in July 2008
pursuant to Rule 109 of the Rules of Procedure
by Athanasios Pafilis
to the Council

On Tuesday, 17 June, the Lithuanian Parliament adopted a new draft law henceforth prohibiting the use in public of communist and fascist symbols.

 

This is an unacceptable, historically unsound and dangerous case of equating the two movements which, inter alia, is an affront to the memory of millions of communists who gave their lives to crush fascism.

 

This decision, taken by the sovereign political powers of Lithuania, a country in which the Communist Party is banned, also provides for financial penalties. Once the new law is signed by the President, anyone using the hammer and sickle symbol in public will have to pay a fine of 150 to 300 euro.

 

It is well-known that many communist parties, including the Communist Party of Greece, use the hammer and sickle as a symbol and an election emblem.

 

What is the Council's position on this unacceptable and historically unsound act? What are the Council's views on the fact that, during elections to the European Parliament, this law will prohibit the activities of communist parties, such as the Communist Party of Greece seeking the votes of Greek citizens living in Lithuania?

 

 

Tabled: 24.06.2008

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