Thalidomide survivors in Brussels - crucial time for campaign
Press release from EFA MEP Jill Evans (Plaid Cymru)
Plaid MEP Jill Evans is campaigning alongside thalidomide survivors in their fight for recognition and compensation.
Thalidomide survivors from Wales and other European countries were in Brussels on Wednesday 27 May to highlight their campaign for the German federal government to properly compensate survivors in the UK, Spain, Italy and Sweden.
The campaigners gave a press conference, and held meetings with MEPs.
(L to R: Jacqui Lines, Jill Evans, Phil Williams)
Jill Evans invited Welsh thalidomide survivor Jacqui Lines from Wrexham to Brussels to take part.
Jill Evans MEP said:
"I'm backing the thalidomide survivors' fight for justice which is an important issue for my constituents in Wales.
"We must maintain pressure on the German federal government to be open about what has gone on, and properly compensate thalidomide survivors.
"I'm very pleased that constituents of mine from Wales are able to come to Brussels to highlight this vital issue."
Background:
(From www.fiftyyearfight.org) New, independently verified, research shows that the German government inappropriately and unconstitutionally influenced the 1970 criminal trial of Grünenthal (German manufacturer of Thalidomide) leading to its premature cessation.
The German government of the time also suppressed evidence. Their actions contributed to European Thalidomide survivors being deprived of a just settlement to fully cover their life-long health and independence needs.
