During the plenary session (14-17 January 2019) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law such as the lack of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan and the human rights situation in Sudan. Statements by Rebecca HARMS (Greens/EFA, DE), Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK), Marietje SCHAAKE (ALDE, NL), Cecilia MALMSTRÖM, Member of the EC in charge of Trade, Bodil VALERO (Greens/EFA, SE), Cécile Kashetu KYENGE (S&D, IT) and Jirí POSPÍSIL (EPP, CZ).

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

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SOUNDBITE (German), Rebecca HARMS (Greens/EFA, DE), Mehman Huseynov since December last year has been on hunger strike because he has been threatened. Before the end of his imprisonment which was a 2 year sentence, he would see fresh accusations which could account for a new sentence of five to seven years, before this current sentence expires. We appeal in conjunction with all the political groups of this House to the Azerbaijan government, asking them to release Mehman.

SOUNDBITE (English), Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK), I am pleased that we have been able to raise his case today in this House, particularly given his vulnerable health as he continues a partial hunger strike. I strongly support the cause in this resolution for his immediate release and for the authorities to bring no further chargeS in Azerbaijan.

SOUNDBITE (English), Marietje SCHAAKE (ALDE, NL), Human rights defenders and activists such as Mehman Huseynov who are shedding light on corruption are being harassed, unlawfully detained and tortured. And while this crackdown on human rights, democracy and civil society is systematic, the European Commission did this summer sign a partnership agreement with Azerbaijan. I think we have to question the conditionality and how we can best use it now.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cecilia MALMSTR&#214;M, Member of the EC in charge of Trade, Following the d&eacute;marche by the delegation of the European Union in Baku and thanks to the cooperation by Azerbaijan authorities, the EU delegation together with five Member States missions, visited Mr. Huseynov in prison. The visit at the end of last week, allowed us to establish that his life was not at immediate risk. He is receiving medical care and he has stopped his hunger strike. Nevertheless, we do believe like you, that the new charges against him for allegedly assaulting prison staff lack credibility and should be dropped.

SOUNDBITE (French), Bodil VALERO (Greens/EFA, SE), There are number of agreements between the EU and Sudan looking at things like migration and fighting terrorism. How can we cooperate with the repressive authorities in that country? Including in the demand to have their nationals identified in detention centres. Or have deliveries of the equipment made to them, which can be then turned against the Sudanese population including the Darfur. All European financing must be reviewed to put an end to this hypocrisy.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), C&#233;cile Kashetu KYENGE (S&amp;D, IT), While large part of the world was celebrating the end of the year, the Sudanese took to the streets and to the squares protesting the fall in their purchasing power. And underlying the protest were price increases, first of petrol and then the bread, the price of which tripled by decree. In the country there have been demonstrations jeopardising the very fragile social balance, that has been achieved and making the life of citizens even more precarious.

SOUNDBITE (Czech), Jir&#237; POSP&#205;SIL (EPP, CZ), I wold like to ask you, Madame commissioner, we have to strengthen the sanctions against this country, we have to stop the aid to the Bashir's regime. We have to freeze the accounts of the representatives of the regime. The economic damage might be the only way to put some pressure on this crazy regime.

SOUNDBITE (English), Cecilia MALMSTR&#214;M, Member of the EC in charge of Trade, <p>We have witnessed these fundamental rights undermined during last weeks by the response of the government of Sudan to the wide spread protests sparked across the country in December, because of the rising costs of the living and shortages. The Sudanese security forces responded by using force, at times live ammunition, tear gas intimidation and arbitrary arrests. And reportedly, as you mentioned, more than 40 people have list their lives and more than 800 people remain detained. European Union calls upon the government of Sudan to allow Sudanese people to exercise their constitutional rights to express their views without reprisal.</p>

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

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

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