EU parliament takes US to task over death penalty

The Times of India ^ | January 30 2003 | AP

[knighthawk]

BRUSSELS: The European Parliament criticized the human rights record of the United States on Thursday, demanding it drop the death penalty and live up to international human rights standards in dealing with prisoners held on terrorism charges.

The European Union assembly voiced its concern on a slew of human rights issues in several nations and wants it to figure prominently at the UN session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, which starts March 17.

In a resolution, the 626-member parliament called for the United States, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Congo and others to introduce moratoriums on executions "with a view to completely abolishing the death penalty."

The EU parliament praised the decision by former Illinois Governor George Ryan who commuted the sentences of 167 death row inmates just before he left office earlier this month.

It also condemned the use of stoning and torture "notably as practiced in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and some states of Nigeria."

The parliament also pointed directly at the situation of hundreds of prisoners still held by U.S. authorities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

In an amendment that passed 269 to 224 votes, the EU assembly called on the United States to "ensure that (the prisoners') basic safeguards are respected" and asked Washington to "immediately clarify" the status of those being held there or those transferred to other parts of the United States. It also urged Washington to "finally respect international law" in their status as prisoners of war.

The parliament also demanded that the UN commission pay attention to continuing human rights problems in Tibet, Chechnya, Saudi Arabia, Iran, North Korea, several countries in Africa, and the Palestinian territories.

[knighthawk]

What's next? Do they also want us to stop jailing criminals and sexual predators and start cuddling them like in Europe?

If the EU is so concerned about human rights and executions, why are they opposed to ousting Saddam Hussein? Why do they have trade and support nations like Iraq, Libya and Iran?

[knighthawk]

Europe-list

If people want on or off this list, please let me know.

[ellery]

Until EU countries implement a presumption of innocence (currently in Vichy, for example, the accused are presumed guilty and have to prove their innocence), the EU should shut its cheese-hole about human rights where we are concerned.

[ellery]

please add me to the list...thanks!

[DKNY]

Please add me, I always read your posts when I see them, but I'm sure there are many I miss.

Thanks

[knighthawk]

You are both added.

[Billthedrill]

So...is the EU parliament so good at governing Europe now that they feel compelled to branch out?

[prairiebreeze]

please add me, thanks

Prairiebreeze

[Who dat?]

It also urged Washington to "finally respect international law" in their status as prisoners of war.

Are they implying that they were lawful combatants? Do you not have to be a lawful combatant to be classified a POW? I sure thought so. I seem to remember them specifically categorized as UNLAWFUL combatants, and therefore no POW status.

[knighthawk]

Added you too.

[mewzilla]

We're supposed to take seriously an organization that demands farmers gives their pigs toys?!

ROTFLMAO. Note to the EU: Hold your breath. Please.

[knighthawk]

The EU parliament is a organization without any real power. It was founded to give the citizens in the EU they could have influence on the EU.

It's full of corrupt people. Two years ago a French EP (member of the EU parliament) was accused of using her position to give her family jobs. Although it turned out to be true, instead of her, the EP who accused her was fired!

I always say that if you are a succesfull politician, you get an important job at a large firm like Philips.

If you fail, you are shipped off the the EU parliament!

[knighthawk]

What does the EU know. The EU is the place were terrorists go to to apply for asylum.

[F16Fighter]

Memo to EU:

Kiss our American @ss.

[Elenya]

EU parliament takes US to task over death penalty

ROTFLOL!

[catpuppy]

From unaccountable folks who take pride and money in dictating the dimensions of Europe's mail slots and swing sets, this is child's play. They are almost as great a threat to the world's freedom and liberty as those thuggish dictators at whom they wink.

[mewzilla]

Oh, but they have plenty of power. Thanks to all the dingalings over there who are more than happy to cede it to them. How do you think those pigs got their toys?

[Natural Law]

I have a good compromise.......We should agree to send death row inmates to a "host" Eu country providing they:

a) pay for the transportation and security to get them there,

b) Guarantee that they will never attempt reentry to the US, and

c) Notify their victim's families of their whereabouts so that justice can be pursued in a more discrete manner

[You Gotta Be Kidding Me]

Ho..........hum...........who cares? Europe believes criminals should be shipped to other parishes, er, um, juristictions. That's THEIR idea of crime and punishment.

[Sparta]

The European Parliament criticized the human rights record of the United States on Thursday, demanding it drop the death penalty and live up to international human rights standards in dealing with prisoners held on terrorism charges.

F**k off Eurotrash.