Torture during the EU's deployment to Congo in 2003

20.11.2008

WRITTEN QUESTION P-6441/08
by Hélène Goudin (IND/DEM)
to the Council

The Swedish armed forces stated in their inquiry that torture occurred in connection with the EU's military deployment to Bunia in Congo on 13 July 2003, Operation Artemis. The French military, on the other hand, announced that it had been decided to acquit the French soldiers suspected of torture.

How does the French Presidency explain the fact that France and Sweden reached such different conclusions on whether torture occurred during Operation Artemis?

What steps does the French Presidency intend to take to ensure that torture does not occur in connection with possible EU military deployments in the future?

OJ C 316, 23/12/2009