MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Russia: sentencing of demonstrators involved in Bolotnaya Square events

11.3.2014 - (2014/2628(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a 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, Ana Gomes, Libor Rouček, Liisa Jaakonsaari, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Joanna Senyszyn, Mitro Repo, Marc Tarabella on behalf of the S&D Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0245/2014

B7‑0245/2014

European Parliament resolution on Russia: sentencing of demonstrators involved in Bolotnaya Square events

(2014/2628(RSP))

The European Parliament,

 

–   having regard to its previous resolutions on Russia,

 

–   having regard to the existing Agreement on partnership and cooperation establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part (PCA) and to the ongoing negotiations for a new EU-Russia agreement,

–   having regard to the ‘Partnership for Modernisation’ initiated in 2010 in Rostov-on-Don and to the commitment made by the Russian leadership to the rule of law as a fundamental basis for the modernisation of Russia,

–   having regard to the objective shared by the EU and Russia, set out in the joint statement issued on 31 May 2003 following the 11th EU-Russia Summit held in St Petersburg, of creating a common economic space, a common space of freedom, security and justice, a common space of cooperation in the field of external security and a common space of research and education, including cultural aspects (the ‘four common spaces’),

–   having regard to the EU-Russia human rights consultations of 28 November 2013,

–   having regard to the EU-Russia summit of 28 January 2013,

–  having regard to the statement by José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission, and the remarks by Herman Van Rompuy the President of the European Council following the EU-Russia summit of 28 January 2014,

–   having regard to the Joint EU-Russia statement on combatting terrorism of 28 January 2014,

–   having regard to the statement of the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the sentencing of demonstrators involved in the Bolotnaya Square events (24 February 2014)

–   having regard to Rule 122(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

 

A. whereas the European Union has important relations with the Russian Federation and stands ready to engage in a frank and open dialogue with it;

 

B.  whereas the European Union's and the Russian Federation's common objective of a relation based on mutual interest and respect of international obligations needs to be promptly restored; whereas it would be a matter of great regret if the Russian Federation failed to work in that direction;

 

C. whereas there are concerns about developments in the Russian Federation with regard to respect for and the protection of human rights and respect for commonly agreed democratic principles and the rule of law; whereas the Russian Federation is a full member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and has therefore committed itself to the principles of democracy and respect for human rights;

 

D. Whereas the Moscow Zamoskvoretsky District Court issued a verdict of guilt and prison sentences against seven of the eight indicted involved in the Bolotnaya Square events of 6 May 2012;

 

 

1. Expresses its concern about the verdict of guilt and prison sentences issued by the Moscow Zamoskvoretsky District Court against seven of the eight indicted involved in the Bolotnaya Square events of 6 May 2012;

 

2. Believes that the charges brought against them and their sentences seem disproportionate in light of the nature of the events and the offences they are accused of; consider that the outcome of the trial, given the procedural shortcomings and long pre-trial detention, raises questions once again as to the state of the rule of law;

 

3. Raises concerns as to the impact of such trials on the exercise of freedom of expression and assembly in Russia; expresses its concern as well for the arrest of dozens of people who gathered outside the court to hear the verdict;

 

4. Welcome the cases of amnesty and underlines that a clear and reliable understanding on fundamental freedoms, human rights, and rule of law will help advance further our strategic partnership; underlines that an independent, impartial and efficient justice system is a core element of the rule and law, and contributes greatly to the development of a reliable, stable business environment and investment climate;

 

5. Expresses its concern about developments in the Russian Federation with regard to respect for and the protection of human rights and respect for commonly agreed democratic principles, rules and procedures, particularly with regard to the law on foreign agents, the anti-LGTB legislation, the re-incrimination of the defamation, the treason law and the legislation regulating the public protests; urges Russia to abide by its international commitments as a member of the Council of Europe;

 

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to 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 Member States, the governments and parliaments of the Eastern Partnership countries, the President, Government and Parliament of the Russian Federation, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.