No more excuses: EU and member states must follow EP lead on CIA renditions

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
 
No more excuses: EU and member states must follow EP lead on CIA renditions
 
(Brussels, 10 October 2013) Amnesty International applauds today’s vote in Strasbourg by the European Parliament which calls for truth and justice regarding EU countries' involvement in the CIA-led rendition and secret detention programmes.
 
“We commend the European Parliament for maintaining a consistent and strong position on this crucial human rights issue,” said Nicolas Beger, Director of Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office. “Will this finally mark the end of the Commission and Council’s excuses and inaction ”
 
Since last year’s landslide vote to adopt a resolution documenting EU countries’ alleged complicity in torture and enforced disappearances carried out by the CIA in Europe, not one recommendation has been followed. It is particularly striking that Lithuania, currently holding the Presidency of the Council, has consistently failed to comply with requests to reopen investigations into CIA black sites on its territory.
 
Even now, new victims are emerging and there is mounting evidence of EU countries’ complicity in illegal transfers, torture and detention of individuals. We trust that, in line with the resolution adopted today, the European Parliament will continue its work on this matter even beyond its current term. Current debates on strengthening human rights and the rule of law in Europe cannot afford to ignore this pressing issue.
 
For more information please contact:
 
Maeve Patterson
Media & Communications Officer
European Institutions Office
Amnesty International
Tel: +32 (0) 2 548 2773