WRITTEN QUESTION E-3646/02 by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Detention of Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva.
Date: 2002-12-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Cuba, cruel and degrading treatment, human rights, imprisonment, political militant, prison system, the EU's international role

C 70 E/16

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

20.3.2004

Representations have been made to Morocco in this regard but so far without any significant change
or elimination of the export restrictive measures. The Commission will look into the market and supply
situation of the products in question with European industry to verify to what extent the Moroccan
allegations of short supply can be corroborated on the basis of a factual analysis. Obviously, the burden of
proof to demonstrate that a shortage of supply exists is incumbent on the Moroccan side. The question
will then be raised during the next Association Council due to take place by the end of February 2003,
where the Commission will consider the possibility of
the Association
Agreement with Morocco to seek redress of the situation.

invoking the provisions of

(2004/C 70 E/016)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3646/02

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 December 2002)

Subject: Detention of Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva

As the Commission is aware, Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva, the chairman of the Cuban Human Rights
Foundation and the Brotherhood of the Independent Blind People of Cuba, has been detained in prison in
Holguín, Cuba, since March 2002 (see written question E-1458/02 (1)).

Is the Commission also aware that he is being assaulted and beaten, and is in danger of dying of
malnutrition?

Will the Commission take action and bring pressure to bear on the authorities there in order to secure an
end to the violent treatment meted out to human rights activists in Cuba?

(1) OJ C 28 E, 6.2.2003, p. 109.

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(14 February 2003)

The Commission is being kept informed regularly of the situation of Mr Gonzalez Leiva. According to its
information the human rights activist weighed only 90 pounds at the beginning of January 2003 due to a
fast he began on 4 September 2002 and which he ended on 25 December 2002 in order to protest
against the accusations against him and other activists involved in the case.

The Commission has repeatedly drawn the attention of
the Cuban authorities to the situation of
Mr Gonzalez Leiva and the human rights situation in general. As with other partner countries, the internal
human rights situation is and will
relationship with Cuba.
The Commission believes that a policy of engagement and dialogue is the most likely to help bringing
about a positive evolution in this respect.

remain an important aspect of our

(2004/C 70 E/017)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3648/02

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 December 2002)

Subject: Freedom of religion in Laos

As the Commission is aware, freedom of religion hardly exists in Laos.

Is the Commission also aware that between June and August 2002, at least 39 Christians were detained in
Laos because of their beliefs and that they are being held in prison under appalling conditions?

Will the Commission bring pressure to bear on the authorities in Laos to secure the release of these
prisoners and a change in policy on freedom of religion?