MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Rafah Nached in Syria

25.10.2011

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

Véronique De Keyser on behalf of the S&D Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0565/2011

B7‑0568/2011

European Parliament resolution on the case of Rafah Nached in Syria

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the statements by the spokesperson Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative on 30 August on the worsening of the human rights situation in Syria and the situation of Rafah Nashed in Syria of 23 September 2011,

 

- having regard to the statement of the Vice-President of the European Parliament Libor Roucek in the plenary session of 29 September calling for the release of Rafah Nashed,

 

- having regard to the Council's conclusions on 10 October 2011 and the sanctions on 13 October 2011,

 

- having regard to its resolutions on the situation in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen from 7 April and from 7 July 2011,

 

- having regard to its resolution on the situation in Syria from 15 September 2011,

 

A. whereas a Paris-educated Syrian psychoanalyst Rafah Nashed, was arrested on 10 September at the Damascus airport; whereas she is known for treating victims of psychological trauma as well as for her active engagement in favour of dialogue between all Syrians,

 

B. whereas Rafah Nashed is 66 years old and her health condition is precarious as she has a heart disease; whereas her health is deteriorating in prison aggravating her heart disease;

 

C. whereas on the time of arresting she was boarding a plane to Paris where her daughter was about to give birth;

 

D. whereas she had no political connections and her ambition has been only humanitarian and scientific; whereas a petition has been signed for her immediate and unconditional release;

 

1. Calls on the Syrian authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of Rafah Nashed for humanitarian reasons;

 

2. Strongly condemns the escalating use of force of the Syrian regime against peaceful protesters and the brutal and systematic persecution of pro-democracy activists, human rights defenders and journalists;

 

3. Calls for an immediate end to violent crackdowns against peaceful demonstrators and harassment of their families, the release of all detained protesters, political prisoners, human rights defenders and journalists;

 

4. Calls for on an immediate, genuine and inclusive political process in Syria with the participation of all democratic political actors and civil society organisations for a peaceful and lasting transition in Syria towards a humanitarian society;

 

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of the Arab League and the Government and Parliament of the Syrian Arab Republic.