30 years after the Sakharov prize was first awarded, the Parliament must continue to support those to whom it is awarded, as some continue to be persecuted. Leyla Zana, who was awarded the Sakharov Prize in 1995, has been removed from her post in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. President Tajani expressed solidarity with her on behalf of the House. “It is not acceptable that someone elected by the people should be removed from their seat”, he said.
President Tajani expressed concern regarding repeated human rights violations in Turkey, which target not only the political opposition, but also representatives of civil society, including journalists and academics. Having mentioned several of those currently being persecuted, he affirmed that the EP will continue to support them in their struggle for freedom and justice.
On Wednesday morning, after the presentation of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the first in a series of debates on the future of Europe will take place, kicking off with Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. A new format will allow for a more interactive debate, putting the Parliament at the heart of the discussion on the future of the EU. President Tajani confirmed that he will try to be as balanced as possible during the debate, to reflect the diversity of the House.
Ref.: 20180112IPR91626
