MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on human rights in Syria: in particular the case of Haythan Al-Maleh

7.9.2010

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 122 of the Rules of Procedure

Marisa Matias, Marie-Christine Vergiat on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0511/2010

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B7‑0513/2010

European Parliament resolution on human rights in Syria: in particular the case of Haythan Al-Maleh

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948;

 

- having regard to the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders of 1998;

 

- having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which was ratified by Syria on 21 April 1969;

 

- having regard to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which was ratified by Syria on 18 September 2004;

 

- having regard to Article 11(1) of the Treaty on the European Union which establishes the promotion of human rights as an objective of the common foreign and security policy;

 

- having regard the European Union Guidelines for Human Rights Defenders of 2004;

 

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Syria, in particular those of 17 September 2009 on

 

- having regard to Rule 122(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

 

A. whereas Haytham Al-Maleh, a 79 years old prominent Syrian human rights lawyer, was sentenced by the Second Military Court of Damascus on 5 July 2010 to 3 years of imprisonment on the grounds of "transferring false and exaggerated news that weaken national sentiment" making “declarations aimed at weakening national sentiment” according to Art. 285 and 286 of the Syrian Penal Code;

 

B. whereas a year ago another a leading human rights lawyer, Muhannad Al Hassani, was also arrested by State Security agents and formally charged under similar paragraphs of the Syrian Penal Code;

 

C. whereas the practices of harassment, restrictions of freedom of movement and arbitrary arrest are part of a persistent policy of repression conducted by Syrian authorities to prevent human rights defenders from carrying out their legitimate and non-violent activities; considering that these practices and policy are contradictory and non productive for the important role of Syria in the region;

 

E. whereas the Association Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Syrian Arab Republic, of the other part, is still to be signed and ratified; whereas respect for human rights is an essential part of this Agreement;

 

1. Urges the Syrian authorities to immediately release Haytham Al-Maleh, who is 79 year old and suffers from diabetes and thyroid problems,

 

2. Calls on the Syrian authorities to put an end to this persecution and harassment of human rights defenders and their families and to immediately release Muhannad Al-Hasani and all other prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders and peace activists sentenced under similar charges;

 

3. Expresses its deep concern at the repression targeting human rights defenders and at the lack of progress in respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Syria;

 

4. Recalls that the full respect of human rights and in particular of the international conventions guaranteeing them represents a fundamental basis for the relations of the EU with all states;

 

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, and the Government and Parliament of the Syrian Arab Republic.