| EMHRN - Home > NEWS > EMHRN Releases > EMHRN Statements 2004 |
|
| Justice and human rights defenders in the Mediterranean | Date: 21-06-2004 |
|
Justice and human rights defenders in the Mediterranean, 21.6.2004 The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network organized a seminar on ‘The independence of the judiciary in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean in cooperation with the Association démocratique des femmes marocaine (ADFM), Association marocaine des droits humains (AMDH), Organisation marocaine des droits humains (OMDH) and Espace associtif, which took place in Rabat 18-20 June 2004. The participants of the seminar hereby: Strongly denounce the obstacles which have prevented the participation of representatives of the Palestinian human rights associations in the seminar. Their indispensable participation in itself would have enriched the debates and the recommendations of the seminar on the administration of justice in relation to the Palestinian National Authorities as well as on jurisdiction and exceptional legislation imposed by the Israeli authorities. Express their deep concern about the trial of the young Tunisian Internet users who are denied any justice by receiving heavy sentences for surfing the Internet. Their appeal trial will take place on 22 June in presence of an EMHRN observer. Announce their solidarity with the lawyers and judges in the region who are repressed because of their struggle for the independence of the judiciary, the respect for the right of defense, the consolidation of the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. Congratulate the executive committee of the EMHRN for the actions taken in this field and call for a strengthening of the international solidarity movement for the lawyers and judges who are victims of repression. strongly denounce the bullying and harassment of the Tunisian judge Mokhtar Yahyaoui, as well as the arbitrary manner in which he was discharged from his duties after he in July 2001 opposed the political power of the Tunisian authorities emphasize the arbitrary and repressive measures towards a number of lawyers and their professional associations in the deplorable situation of justice and the judiciary in the majority of the countries in the region Gave special attention to the situation of Mr Akham Naisse, lawyer and president of the Committees for the Defense of Human Rights in Syria, arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned for more than two months, and whose health situation is deteriorating dramatically. The participants recall the provisions of the UN Human Rights Defenders Declaration. They demand the immediate release of Mr Aktham Naisse and that that he will have a fair trial in the presence of international lawyers. For further information please contact: Marit Floe Joergensen, Information Officer Tel: +45-32 69 89 12 / Fax: +45-32 95 65 54 E-mail: info@euromedrights.net |
|
| Back to News List |
