As Russia continues to oppose a possible UN Security Council resolution on Syria, election protesters in Moscow and other Russian cities prepare for what might become the largest wave of demonstrations Russia has seen since the fall of the Soviet Union. Barbara Lochbihler, Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee in the European Parliament, comments:

"Since Russia and other members of the UNSC vetoed a first resolution on Syria in October 2011, up to 2,600 people have died. The overall death toll of the conflict in Syria is estimated at 5,400. Human rights violations, including torture and forced disappearances, have intensified.

The international community should refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity; decide on an international arms embargo; and freeze all foreign assets of President al-Assad and his entourage. As chair of the Human Rights Committee in the European Parliament, I therefore call on Russia to accept its international responsibility in the field of human rights protection, and to reconsider its veto against a possible UNSC resolution on Syria.

Also, Russia must end its military support to President al-Assad. Indeed, Russia has been Syria's most important arms supplier for years, and has allegedly continued arms shipments after the internal conflict broke out. Some weeks ago, Moscow was reported to have signed a contract with Syria over 36 combat jets. Moscow thereby risks to indirectly support human rights violations in Syria, in clear violation of several international human rights treaties Russia has ratified.

Internally, as well, Russia's recent reaction to increasingly widespread protests in favour of re-running last year's parliamentary elections shows an ongoing disrespect of human rights. Hundreds of peaceful demonstrators were imprisoned. There have been reports of mistreatment, beatings of peaceful protestors, denial of medical treatment, and closed court hearings. With further demonstrations planned on Saturday, 4 February, I call on the Russian authorities to respect the demonstrators' right to peaceful protest and freedom of assembly, and to refrain from any unjustified police intervention. In Syria and at home, Russia should live up to its international human rights obligations."

Human Rights Subcommittee

In the chair: Barbara Lochbihler (Greens/EFA, DE)

Contact:
Satu HELIN
Tel (BXL): +32 2 284 1498
Mobile: +32 498 983 386
Mail: satu.helin@europarl.europa.eu