92002E2660

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2660/02

by Robert Evans (PSE) to the Council

(23 September 2002)

Subject: Maajid Nawaz, Ian Malcolm Nisbett and Reza Pankhurst held captive in Egypt

Maajid Nawaz, Ian Malcolm Nisbett and Reza Pankhurst are three young British Muslim men who have been detained in Egypt for five months. There have been concerns raised about their treatment, including allegations of torture and breaches of the Geneva Convention. The British Government has issued a formal complaint to the Egyptian Government concerning their treatment.

What action is the Council taking to support the UK Government in this case and end the abuses of these men's human rights?

Reply

(20 February 2003)

The British Government did not request the Council's assistance on this matter. Should such a request be made, it will be examined in a manner that takes due account of the spirit of cooperation, consular and otherwise, between the Member States in respect of EU citizens.

The human rights situation in Egypt is in general closely monitored by the Council. An Association Agreement making respect for human rights an essential element of Egyptian and EU internal and external policy was signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2001. It also establishes a regular political dialogue which will enable cooperation between the EU and the Egyptian authorities to be further strengthened, notably in the field of human rights. However, that Agreement must be ratified by all the EU Member States before it can enter into force. This has not taken place so far.