Following the conviction to 32 years in prison for human rights defender Germain Rukuki, the Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT) stated:
"I am gravely concerned at the harsh verdict on Germain Rukuki who faced charges of "rebellion" and "threatening the security of the State". While concrete evidence of guilt are lacking, this sentence appears as resulting from the authorities' will to criminalise the legitimate activity of Mr Rukuki, and by doing so, to deter other human rights defenders to work in Burundi. Mr Rukuki must be released immediately, his legal rights must be respected and authorities should reverse his conviction."
Alarmed by ongoing harassments of journalists and social media activists, the Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT) made the following statement:
"Press freedom is one of the fundamental freedoms enshrined in universal human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Press and media freedom is also one of the core freedoms guaranteed by the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The next meeting of the Subcommittee on Human Rights will take place on Tuesday 19 June 2018 from 9.00 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 18.30.
Representatives of NGOs as well as other organisations are requested to accede to the EU Transparency Register and follow the procedures therein for access to the European Parliament.
The next meeting of the Subcommittee on Human Rights will take place on Tuesday 15 May 2018 from 9.00 - 12.30 and 14.30 - 18.30 in meeting room ASP 3G3.
Representatives of NGOs as well as other organisations are requested to accede to the EU Transparency Register and follow the procedures therein for access to the European Parliament.