MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Guantanamo: hunger strike by prisoners
16.4.2013 - (2013/2601(RSP))
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure
Charles Tannock on behalf of the ECR Group
B7‑0180/2013
European Parliament resolution on Guantanamo: hunger strike by prisoners
The European Parliament,
- having regard to President Obama’s executive order of January 2009 ordering the closure of the detention centre at Guantánamo Bay within one year;
- Having regard to the January 7, 2011 Defense Authorization Bill;
- having regard to the most recent figures from the US Government of 166 individuals in detention at Guantánamo;
- having regard to Rule 122 of its Rules of Procedure;
A. whereas at least 74 former inmates at Guantánamo Bay have been released from detention since president Obama declared his intention to shut down the facility;
B. Whereas the hunger strikes in question began in February 2013, whereas it is reported that 43 prisoners are on hunger strike;
C. Whereas violent clashes have taken place between prison guards and detainees including non lethal shots and improvised weapons, following an early morning raid as a consequence of detainees covering up windows and security cameras as part of an ongoing protest and hunger strike over their treatment and detention;
D. Whereas nearly 100 detainees have been reportedly cleared for further release but remain at the facility because of Congressional restrictions and also concerns of possible mistreatment if they are sent back to their home countries;
E. Whereas the American administration has not yet started another review process, and has closed the office in the State Department responsible for the return or resettled of detainees to third countries, whereas Congress has blocked its ability to act in this regard;
F. whereas many prisoners are known terrorists or suspected of being terrorists and/or aiding terrorist organisations, including individuals held in relation to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, DC on 11 September 2001;
1. Calls for a quick and non-violent end to the hunger strikes as soon as possible;
2. Welcomes the commitment of the US administration to release, or bring to a fair trial those imprisoned there;
3. While welcoming the acceptance of some Member States to receive former inmates, strongly stresses and underlines that it is the sovereign right of each Member State to decide if it wishes to accept former inmates; stresses that it is also the right of each Member State to introduce restrictions on the right of free movement on the grounds of public security;
4. Notes the close transatlantic relationship based on shared core values and respect for basic, universal and non-negotiable human rights, such as the right to a fair trial and the ban on arbitrary detention; welcomes the close transatlantic cooperation on a wide range of international human rights issues;
5 Stresses that the fight against terrorism and extremism is won by maintaining strong democratic principles and actions that do not compromise the moral integrity of those fighting against terrorism;
6. Reiterates its shock and outrage at all mass terrorist attacks, and expresses its solidarity with the victims of such attacks and its sympathy for the pain and suffering of their families, friends and relatives;
7. Stresses the ongoing threat of terrorism on European soil and the need to prevent further terrorist activities, and to reinforce the goal of safety and security for all European citizens;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to be forwarded to the US Secretary of State, the US President, the US Congress and Senate, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the EU Member States, the UN Secretary-General, the President of the UN General Assembly and the governments of the UN member states.