Debates of the European Parliament

SITTING OF THURSDAY, 10 APRIL 2003

Human rights in Egypt

Karamanou (PSE). – (EL) Mr President, yet another resolution on Egypt. Do you think that this time our voice will reach the ears of its rulers? Because so far they have made a point of ignoring us.

The second trial of 50 men accused of homosexuality on 15 March and the sentencing of 21 of them to even harsher punishment demonstrates in the most dramatic fashion that this country has absolutely no respect for fundamental freedoms, for human rights or for privacy. The prisoners include a Greek citizen, Kostas Kastanias, who has serious health problems. Unfortunately, the Egyptian Government is refusing to move him to Greece.

Finally, Egypt has no respect either for international conventions or for agreements with the European Union or even for its own laws, under which homosexuality is not a crime. It makes one wonder who is ruling Egypt? Does the rule of law exist or is the unofficial Islamic fundamentalist government in charge? Who does the European Union ultimately conclude agreements with, Commissioner? Do you have plans to finally do something about these matters? How do you intend to use the force and influence of the European Union to make Egypt respect fundamental freedoms and immediately release these people who have been wrongly imprisoned?