MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on 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

Bernd Posselt, Filip Kaczmarek, Roberta Angelilli, Elena Băsescu, Martin Kastler, Tunne Kelam, Eija-Riitta Korhola, Mario Mauro, Erminia Mazzoni, Cristian Dan Preda, Potito Salatto, Bogusław Sonik on behalf of the PPE Group

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

B7‑0515/2010

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

The European Parliament,

-          having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, of which the European Union and Syria are parties;

 

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

 

-          having regard to the previous resolutions on Syria and the Middle East;

 

-          having regard to Rule 122 of its Rules of Procedure;

 

 

A.       Mindful of the importance of the political, economic and cultural ties that exist between the European Union and Syria;

 

B.        Taking into consideration the content of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, especially Article 2, which stipulates that respect for democratic principles and fundamental rights inspire the domestic and external policies of the parties and constitute an essential element of the agreement;

 

C.       Whereas the European Parliament and its President have already intervened several times in favour of the release of human rights activists, politicians and parliamentarians detained in Syrian prisons;

 

D.       Whereas Mr. Haytham Al-Maleh, a 80-year old Syrian human rights lawyer, is convicted on the grounds of “transferring false and exaggerated news that weaken national sentiments”, under Articles 285 and 286 of the Syrian Criminal Code;

 

E.        Whereas Mr. Al-Maleh has been arbitrarily arrested by officers of the General Intelligence Service on 14 October 2009, and held incommunicado until his interrogation by the Military Prosecutor on 20 October 2009;

F.        Whereas the trial of Mr. Al-Maleh before the Second Military Court of Damascus did not meet international standards of due process, such as the right to be presumed innocent and the right to defence;

 

 

 

1.        Welcomes the continuing dialogue between the European Union and Syria and hopes that the continuous efforts will lead to improvements not only on the economic and social situation in Syria but also politically and in the field of human rights;

 

2.        Highlights the obligation to comply with Article 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement;

 

3.        Is confident that Syria, which could play an important role of pacification in the region, will improve and support human rights and freedom of expression in the country;

 

4.        Express its deepest concern about Mr. Haytham Al-Maleh and regrets the decision of the Second Military Court of Damascus to convict him, and to sentence him to three years imprisonment;

5.        Calls upon the Syrian authorities to immediately release Mr. Haytham Al-Maleh as well as to guarantee in all circumstances his physical and psychological integrity;

6.        Urge the Syrian authorities to put an end to all forms of harassment against Haytham Al-Maleh, in conformity with the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 9 December 1998;

7.        Calls upon the Syrian authorities to abide by international human rights standards as expressed in the Barcelona Declaration and other international instruments to which the Syrian Arab Republic is a State party;

8.        Calls for the abrogation of the state of emergency in Syria, established more than 40 years ago;

 

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