WRITTEN QUESTION E-1998/98

by Jaak Vandemeulebroucke (ARE) to the Council

(29 June 1998)

Subject: Legal action against representatives of the Greek Rainbow Party

I gather that legal proceedings have been brought against four leaders of the Greek Rainbow Party (Vinozhito).

This party is completely legal and has already twice taken part in elections in Greece, including the European Parliament elections in 1994.

The events which gave rise to the court case against the four leaders, Vasilis Romas, Costas Tasopoulos, Petros Vasiliades and Pavlos Voskopoulos, are as follows: In September 1995 they are said to have instigated "mutual hatred among citizens" (Art. 192 of the Greek Criminal Code) by erecting a placard on which their party's name was displayed in two languages (Greek and Macedonian-Slavonic). In the ensuing disturbance, the whole contents of their new office in Florina was destroyed.

Is the Council aware of these outrageous facts and the proceedings which are pending? Does it agree that basic democratic and human rights are being disregarded here? Does the Council know of any possible measures which could guarantee the democratic and political rights of all Greeks and Greek political parties as well as the freedom of speech and freedom to choose one's language in Greece? Finally, is the Council prepared to place this issue on the agenda of the relevant Council meeting, with the necessary follow-up measures?

Reply

(22 October 1998)

It is not for the Council to comment on a matter which is the responsibility of the internal legal system of the Member State concerned.