Torture of political prisoners in Egypt

1.4.2014

Question for written answer E-004034-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Mikael Gustafsson (GUE/NGL)

In Egypt, more than 500 members of the opposition have recently been sentenced to death in a single unlawful court case. Repression is getting worse and worse in the country. Torture of political prisoners is virtually a regular occurrence. Many women detainees are subject to sexual abuse and rape.

In a statement of 10 February 2014, the Council stated that: ‘The EU welcomes that the new Constitution enshrines human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly and women’s rights’.

On the other hand, Amnesty International observes in its 41-page report on Egypt, ‘Roadmap to repression’ (23/1 2014), that no end to the human rights violations is in sight.

The numerous innocent prisoners in Egypt include a Swedish national called Ahmed Tag Eldin, who was detained on 6 October 2013.

1. Does the Commission consider that the formulations in the Council’s statement of 10 February accord with reality in today’s Egypt?

2. Does the Commission intend to take any practical measures, for example imposing a political boycott, to persuade the Egyptian regime to cease the executions, respect human rights and cease to torture people who have been imprisoned?

3. Will the Commission take action specifically to put an end to the Egyptian regime’s abuse of women?

4. Will the Commission take action on the case of the Swedish national Ahmed Tag Eldin?