MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

13.6.2006

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Vittorio Agnoletto
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on human rights in Syria

B6‑0360/06

European Parliament resolution on human rights in Syria

The European Parliament,

- having regard its previous resolutions on Syria,

- having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas Anwar al-Bunni, a human rights lawyer was arrested on 17 May 2006 by officials from the State Security (Amn al-Dawla) after signing a petition on 12 May 2006,

B.  whereas Syrian security agencies have frequently harassed al-Bunni in the past, while the Syrian Bar Association suspended his membership 10 days prior to his arrest, reportedly for publicizing the plight of his dissident clients,

C.  whereas al-Bunni is reportedly being held incommunicado, being beaten during interrogation and has consequently been on a hunger strike in protest since his arrest,

D.  whereas al-Bunni has no access to a doctor and recently the authorities have prevented his lawyers from visiting him,

E.  whereas the defence of human rights is an essential element of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership,

1.  Urges the Syrian authorities to ensure the immediate and unconditional release Anwar al-Bunni and other activists, intellectuals and human rights defenders;

2.  Expresses its concern at the restrictions imposed on and the charges against Anwar al-Bunni as well as reports that al-Bunni has been beaten during interrogation and held incommunicado;

3.  Calls on the Syrian authorities to ensure that al-Bunni is treated according to humanitarian and international law and is not subject to torture or other ill-treatment;

4.  Requests the Syrian Government to provide al-Bunni with prompt, regular and unrestricted access to his lawyer and doctor;

5.  Notes that respect for human rights is a component of the EU-Syria Association Agreement that is yet to be finalised;

6.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Syrian Government and Parliament.