MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Paul Rusesabagina in Rwanda
5.10.2021 - (2021/2906(RSP))
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure
Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Inese Vaidere, Michaela Šojdrová, David Lega, Krzysztof Hetman, Tom Vandenkendelaere, Sara Skyttedal, Adam Jarubas, José Manuel Fernandes, Loránt Vincze, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Miriam Lexmann, Peter Pollák, Janina Ochojska, Christian Sagartz, Maria Walsh, Vladimír Bilčík, Ivan Štefanec, Gabriel Mato, Eva Maydell, Paulo Rangel, Andrey Kovatchev, Vangelis Meimarakis, Tomáš Zdechovský, Stelios Kympouropoulos, Antonio López‑Istúriz White
on behalf of the PPE Group
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0500/2021
B9‑0513/2021
European Parliament resolution on the case of Paul Rusesabagina in Rwanda
The European Parliament,
– having regard to its previous resolutions on Rwanda,
– having regard the resolution by the Parliament of Rwanda of the European Parliament Resolution of 11th February 2021 on Rwanda. The case of Paul Rusesabagina of 16 February 2021,
– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
– having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
– having regard to the Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Fair Trial and Legal Assistance in Africa,
– having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which was ratified by Rwanda in 1975,
– having regard to the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), as revised in 2015,
– having regard article 8 to the Cotonou Agreement,
– having regard to the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy for 2020-2024,
– having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,
- whereas on 20 September 2021, Paul Rusesabagina was found guilty of terrorism charges and sentenced to 25 years in prison by the International and Cross-Border Crimes Chamber of Rwanda’s High Court;
- whereas Rwanda has made significant progress on social and economic rights in recent years, whereas strengthening the rule of law and reinforcing human rights are the main priority areas focuses on by the EU programming for Rwanda;
- whereas the judiciary shall decide matters before them impartially, on the basis of facts and in accordance with the law, without any restrictions, improper influences, inducements, pressures, threats or interferences, direct or indirect, from any quarter or for any reason whereas respect for principle of independence of the judiciary;
- whereas Rwanda is signatory to the Cotonou Agreement, which stipulates that respect for human rights is an essential element of EU-ACP cooperation;
- whereas the 2nd AU-EU Ministerial meeting will take place in Kigali, Rwanda 25-26 October 2021;
- Notes the verdict condemning Mr Rusesabagina to 25 years in prison on terrorism-related charges and the verdict against his co-accused; underlines that according to some reports Mr Rusesabagina did not receive a fair trial, especially with regard to the right of defence;
- Underlines that the independence of the judiciary shall be guaranteed by Rwanda and preserved in the Constitution or the law of the country, it is the duty of all governmental and other institutions to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary;
- Remains concerned about restrictions on civil and political rights and notes the concerns about due process in the case of Paul Rusesabagina and his co-accused, whilst there must be accountability for violence against civilians; defends the right to a fair trial;
- Calls on Rwanda to promote the rule of law and defence of human rights as these are the core of the EU principles; underlines that Rwanda must ensure fair, credible and independent justice for Mr Ruswabagina, and must provide access to consular advice, to medical care and the right to legal counsel, as these constitute basic rights that must be respected;
- Is concerned by the objections Mr Rusesabagina raised related to his lack of confidential, unimpeded access to his lawyers and relevant case documents and his initial lack of access to counsel; underlines that Mr Rusesabagina has the right to appeal the verdict;
- Is concerned about the respecting of the accused’s right to access to information and sufficient time for preparing his defence;
- Underlines that Belgian and US authorities have had regular consular access to Mr Rusesabagina; underlines that the trial was hold as a public proceeding with English translation and it could be followed both life in the Courtroom and on line;
- Urges the Government of Rwanda to take steps to examine reported shortcomings in Mr. Rusesabagina’s case and establish safeguards to prevent similar outcomes in the future;
- Calls on Rwandan authorities to fully respect the rights of Mr Rusesabagina and the co-accused to due process and fair trial;
- Calls on the European External Action Service, the Commission and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to strengthen the human rights dialogue with Rwanda at the highest levels in order to ensure that the country abides by its bilateral and international commitments; stresses that in the context of international development work in Rwanda, much greater priority should be given to human rights, the rule of law, and transparent and responsive governance;
- 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 African Union, the President of Rwanda, the UN Human Rights Council, and the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.