During the EP plenary session (13-16 November 2017) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, such as freedom of expression in Sudan, notably the case of Mohamed Zine El Abidine, terrorist attacks in Somalia and Madagascar. Statements by Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK), Marietje SCHAAKE (ALDE, NL), Phil HOGAN, Member of the EC in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Louis MICHEL (ALDE, BE)

Cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law: extracts from the debates

An article by Mohamed Zine al-Abidine published on 23 February 2012 in the Al-Tayar newspaper criticised the alleged corruption in the family of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Following its publication the Sudanese National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) filed charges against Mohamed Zine al-Abidine and his editor-in-chief, Osman Mirgani; they were both put into prison and entenced to pay a fine of 10 000 Sudanese pounds. The European Parliament expresses its deep concern at the sentencing of Mohamed Zine al-Abidine by the Press Court in Khartoum on 23 October 2017 to a suspended jail term with a five-year probation period, and calls on the Sudanese authorities to immediately review all charges against him. MEP's are deeply worried about freedom of expression in Sudan, the ongoing censorship and seizures of newspapers, and the increased restrictions on journalists from freely expressing their opinion in Sudan.

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK), A free press is one of the essentials for ensuring that a meaningful democratic system can function, operating under the rule of law. Without such an underpinning other efforts and programmes aimed at improving good governance and development are always undermined. I&rsquo;m pleased that we are therefore taking the opportunity today to shine a spotlight on the terrible state of press freedom in Sudan particularly illustrated by the case of journalist Mohamed Zine El Abidine and is editor-in-chiefOsman Mirgani. Abidine isin a clear case of political persecution and selective justice, has been sentenced to a suspended sentence of five years essentially for writing a piece alleging corruption associated with the ruling family of President Al-Bashir.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, The European Union will continue to call in the government to respect freedom of expression and enable space for civil society. The Union remains also committed to supporting human rights defenders and civil society at large by different means of disposal . The Union is for example supporting several projects on press freedom as well as civic and human rights education in Sudan through the European instrument for democracy and human rights.

Somalia: The European Parliament expresses its deepest sympathy with the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Somalia, and with their families, and deeply regrets the loss of lives; at the same time, strongly condemns the perpetrators of these attacks, which have been attributed to the Al-Shabaab insurgent group. MEP's recall that lasting stability and peace can only be achieved through social inclusion, sustainable development and good governance, based on democratic principles and the rule of law, in which peoples&rsquo; dignity and rights are fully respected. The European Parliament Welcomes the Commission&rsquo;s rapid emergency response following the October 14 terrorist attack; calls for the EU and its international partners to fulfil their commitments to Somalia, in the first instance through measures to establish food security, with a view to avoiding the structural problems that lead to famine, to fostering security and the reconciliation of communal grievances.

SOUNDBITE (English), Marietje SCHAAKE (ALDE, NL), The attacks in Mogadishu on the 14th and 28th of October resulted in unprecedented amount of innocent people killed. Access to aid organisations should be granted .i I&rsquo;s important to see the connection between different elements that can lead to the recruitment of people to terrorist organisations we must also acknowledge the terrorism is a global problem and needs to be addressed in unity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, Member of the EC in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development, Terrorist attacks are not uncommon in Somalia and the terrorist organisations AlShabi Al Shabat unfortunately remain a continuous threat to the building of a peaceful and democratic society benefiting the Somali people. In the last fiew years thanks to the collective work of the Somali themselves, coupled with the support of the international community, Somalia, following decades of civil canfields and disarray has seen positive political developments. The European Union including its member states is by far the largest supporter of Somalia with a collective contribution of &euro;3.5 billion in 2015 to 2020. The important and positive progress cannot be reversed. It is essential for Somalia's advancement and security and it is a partner for stability in the region and beyond.

Madagascar: The European Parliament hopes that the upcoming elections will take place in a peaceful and serene climate so that they are democratic and transparent; insists that constitutional order and political stability must be preserved and that only dialogue and consensus building among all political actors can guarantee timely and credible elections in 2018; calls on the international community to take all possible steps to ensure a fair and free electoral process for the 2018 presidential elections.

SOUNDBITE (French), Louis MICHEL (ALDE, BE), A year from the presidential and legislation elections all the signs of post electoral crisis are in place: the levers of power being held; suppression of the non-government parties; a very high level of corruption and embezzlement in government; arbitrary arrests; harassment of journalists, including investigative journalists, same for defenders of human and environmental rights, non-separation of powers and meddling of the state of and judicial affairs.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, Member of the EC in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development, We are naturally concerned in the Commission about reports of violence and intimidation in Madagascar. These must be transparently investigated. Detention and harassment of journalists and civil society activists, also cannot be ignored and have been followed up by an EU delegation in Antananarivo.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, Member of the EC in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development, The challenges that are faced by human rights defenders and advocates of reform in Madagascar are complex and substantial. They stem from a culture of impunity which has allowed corruption to persist but exacerbated by specific issues such as disputes over landownership and a lack of confidence in decentralised administration, across this enormous and complex country. For ordinarily people they have difficulty in accessing information and confronting a dysfunctional public administration, leads to a sense of helplessness and encourages vigilante justice, another unacceptable means of conflict resolution.

SOUNDBITE (English), Phil HOGAN, Member of the EC in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development, The European Union is focusing on financial support and technical support to the national electoral Commission and to civil society, to assist in the organisation of this particular elections.

Cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law: extracts from the debates

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