Export of torture
Transparency in the export of torture is key
Onthe occasion of the resolution on the export of torture instruments today in the European Parliament, Barbara Lochbihler, Green/EFA coordinator for the Human Rights Subcommittee,Declares:
"We welcome that the European Parliament, aroused by an NGO report, now calls for concrete measures to implement compliance to the standards of the EU export ban on torture instruments. After all European countries are violating the EU export ban of 2005. German companies for example delivered foot chains to the United Arab Emirates, pepper spray from Germany was exported to Cameroon, China and India, where it was used to torture prisoners. The Czech Republic exported electro-shock devices among others to Pakistan and Moldova.
Unfortunately, in the resolution, the responsible countries are not mentioned. Therewith the Parliament has stopped halfway. Since the global fight against torture must not remain a lip service. Those responsible must be identified and held accountable for their actions. The EU Commission must now insist that all Member States comply with the prohibition policy of 2005. "
