VP/HR — Detention of homosexuals in Egypt
3.10.2017
Question for written answer E-006179-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Daniele Viotti (S&D)
On 25 September 2017, Nabil Sedek, Prosecutor-General of Egypt, ordered an investigation into various people who had apparently flown a rainbow flag during a concert held in Cairo the previous day. At the end of the preliminary investigation, seven men were remanded in custody, accused of promoting ‘sexually deviant’ practices. Another prosecutor has stated that these people will be subjected to medical tests to determine whether or not they have had anal intercourse.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Egypt, but the Egyptian authorities often prosecute gay men under such charges.
Can the Vice-President/High Representative therefore say:
- —Whether the EU delegation to Egypt has taken any specific measures regarding this case, in accordance with the 2013 EU LGBTI Guidelines, or whether it is planning to do so, for instance by observing court hearings and visiting the prison;
- —What she intends to do in order to protect the human rights of LGBTI people in Egypt?