European Parliament: adopted resolutions on human rights violations in Turkey, Nicaragua and Nigeria
On February 13, 2025, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions concerning recent human rights violations in Turkey, Nicaragua, and Nigeria.
Regarding Turkey, in Resolution number 2546 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed strong concern about the Turkish government's serious interference in the administration of Kurdish-majority regions, to the detriment of the rule of law. This interference has manifested in the arbitrary removal of democratically elected mayors from office, their imprisonment, and their subsequent replacement with government-appointed figures. The resolution urgently requests their release, acquittal, and reinstatement, along with a judicial reform to remove the trustee system, which is also necessary to allow the peace process in Kurdistan to continue. Furthermore, it emphasizes that European funds allocated to the country are strictly tied to its commitment to maintaining the rule of law and guaranteeing fundamental freedoms. Finally, it urges the Commission to consider the imposition of restrictive measures against Turkish officials involved in accordance with the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
On the situation in Nicaragua, in Resolution 2547 MEPs strongly criticized the Ortega-Murillo regime's conduct towards its citizens and religious leaders, whose dissent is silenced through persecution and forced exile. In this case too, the resolution emphasizes that any funding from the European Union will only be possible if political prisoners are released, the rule of law is restored, and concrete guarantees on respect for human rights are provided. These guarantees cannot be considered credible without the annulment of recent constitutional reforms and the repeal of repressive laws. The initiation of investigations by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity and the extension of sanctions to Daniel Ortega, Rosario Murillo, and their collaborators are also considered crucial.
With the third Resolution number 2548, the European Parliament denounces the ongoing repression of freedom of expression in Nigeria, considering blasphemy laws to be violations of international law and rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. Therefore, it deems strictly necessary the alignment of Sharia and federal state laws with human rights principles. To proceed in this direction, MEPs urge the country to abolish the death penalty and to tackle false accusations of blasphemy.