unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: The instrumentalisation of justice as a repressive tool in Nicaragua
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
Political group: ECR
Country: Germany
Language: PL

Pani Przewodnicząca! Od początku rządów reżimu Ortegi i Murillo jest coraz więcej doniesień o łamaniu praw człowieka i nadużyciach. Reżim nadal przetrzymuje ponad 150 więźniów politycznych, a wielu z nich cierpi z powodu braku odpowiedniego wyżywienia i właściwej opieki medycznej. Inni przebywają w izolatkach. Skorumpowany system bezpieczeństwa i sądownictwa Ortegi aresztował te osoby za uprawianie niezależnego dziennikarstwa, pracę w organizacjach społeczeństwa obywatelskiego, chęć startu w wyborach i publiczne wyrażanie opinii sprzecznych z rządową ortodoksją, a także za inne działania uznawane za normalne w wolnym społeczeństwie. W kontekście całkowitego braku niezawisłości sądów represje reżimu wymierzone są również w grupy społeczeństwa obywatelskiego, przeciwników politycznych, dziennikarzy. Przyjmuje się represyjne przepisy, które naruszają prawo do udziału w życiu politycznym i wolności słowa. Od 2018 roku władze unieważniły legalną rejestrację wielu dziesiątków organizacji pozarządowych i uniwersytetów.  ECR krytycznie odnosi się do braku mechanizmów ochrony praw człowieka, braku rządów prawa i ogólnych represji wobec Nikaraguańczyków.
Debate: The instrumentalisation of justice as a repressive tool in Nicaragua
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Manu Pineda
Political group: The Left
Country: Czechia
Language: ES

Señora presidenta, este debate muestra la obsesión que tienen algunos sectores de este Parlamento contra los Gobiernos y movimientos democráticos y progresistas de América Latina. Esto siempre ha sido así por parte de la extrema derecha, especialmente la española, pero es muy triste ver a grupos que se consideran democráticos, e incluso algunos progresistas, apoyar una Resolución promovida por Vox, que actúa como si Latinoamérica siguiera siendo una colonia española y que tacha de dictadura a cualquier Gobierno de izquierda en Latinoamérica. Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, el Foro de São Paulo, el Grupo de Puebla y todos los organismos que ustedes insultan en este panfleto van a seguir trabajando por la soberanía de los pueblos latinoamericanos y para que sus pueblos sean los dueños de sus destinos y de sus recursos. Ustedes pueden seguir trabajando para el patrón, el mismo que ha querido excluir a estos países de la Cumbre de las Américas y que se va a ver allí solo con un grupo de palmeros, pero sepan que hay pueblos que saben lo que es ser una colonia y no van a volver a serlo nunca jamás.
Debate: The instrumentalisation of justice as a repressive tool in Nicaragua
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Sandra Pereira
Political group: The Left
Country: Germany
Language: PT

Senhora Presidente, o Parlamento Europeu continua a sua política de completo seguidismo da estratégia ingerencista e desestabilizadora dos Estados Unidos da América na América Latina. Esta nova resolução contra a Nicarágua e o seu povo é mais uma demonstração de como este Parlamento não hesita em deturpar os factos para cobrir uma inaceitável política que afronta os princípios da Carta das Nações Unidas e o direito internacional. Daqui repudiamos toda e qualquer interferência externa na República da Nicarágua, e a contínua desestabilização e tentativa dos Estados Unidos da América, com o apoio da União Europeia, de imporem o seu domínio económico e político sobre este país. Instamos, por isso, ao fim desta política de ingerência, incluindo das medidas coercivas e unilaterais impostas à margem das Nações Unidas, que visam obstaculizar o desenvolvimento económico da Nicarágua e atingir as condições de vida do povo nicaraguense. Afirmamos a nossa solidariedade com a Nicarágua e o seu povo na luta em defesa da sua soberania e independência, do direito a decidir o seu próprio caminho de desenvolvimento, livre de pressões e ingerências externas, em defesa e no prosseguimento da revolução sandinista e do seu desenvolvimento e progresso social.
Debate: The instrumentalisation of justice as a repressive tool in Nicaragua
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Valdis Dombrovskis
Language: EN

Nicaragua, after more than 50 years of totalitarian rule, remains one of the poorest countries in Latin America. The social, political and economic situation has led more than 150,000 Nicaraguans to flee and seek asylum in neighbouring countries since 2018. Ortega is forcing the best and the brightest into exile, jeopardising Nicaragua’s future and setting back the country after decades of long-fought development – development supported by the EU and others who are at the receiving end of unfounded accusations by the ruling couple. Justice is being made a mockery of and used to legitimise repression. Trials of political prisoners held behind closed doors and lacking any trace of due process resulted in at least 44 harsh and disproportionate sentences handed down since 15 March. We have reiterated our request for the unconditional liberation of all prisoners in a spokesperson statement on 14 March. We maintain the pressure on the regime and will continue to do so. We will also continue to support the Nicaraguan people and, in particular, the most vulnerable groups in their legitimate search for a free country and a better future. We would very much welcome the European Parliament’s strong commitment to this endeavour and it is a key part of our engagement.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Miriam Lexmann
Country: Spain
Language: EN

I believe that these trends are counter to the Georgian people’s desire to live in a free, democratic and sovereign Georgia, as well as their European aspirations. I therefore call on the Georgian authorities to utilise fully Georgia’s legal framework for guaranteeing the freedom of expression and the freedom of media, to press on with reforms to ensure independence of the judiciary, to stop political polarisation and reverse the democratic backsliding. I also believe an important step to support the European path of Georgia is to impose targeted sanctions on the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili for his destructive role in the Georgian politics and economy. Finally, let me stress that as a friend of the Georgian people, we will not stand idly by while media freedom continues to deteriorate and there is democratic backsliding, which goes against the Georgian people’s European aspirations. We stand with the Georgian people.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Sven Mikser
Country: Hungary
Language: EN

Georgia has, over the last two years, nosedived in the Global Media Freedom Index. Despite the solid legal framework, the physical safety of journalists and media representatives has significantly deteriorated, as illustrated by the violence by far-right groups against the participants in last year’s pride march and against the journalists covering the event. More recently, it has been illustrated by the sentencing of Mr Gvaramia, a well-known media figure, on rather dubious charges. Obviously, the problems of Georgia and the challenges it faces go beyond the media scene. We all do have legitimate concerns about recent negative trends in the area of rule of law and democracy more generally. The recent conduct of the Georgian Government has, quite frankly, been frustrating and disappointing on many fronts. I do believe that in a situation like this, we need to adopt a more resolute and more demanding line in our communications with our Georgian rulers, so they really understand that it is they who have to deliver to the Georgian people when it comes to Georgia’s European aspirations. However, I would like to also point out that a policy on our behalf will have to be based on a comprehensive and well thought-through strategy, not merely frustration and emotions. So I urge us all to carefully analyse potential consequences and plan for our next steps, so that our no doubt well-intentioned steps do not inadvertently undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Georgian people or our own strategic interests in the region.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Petras Auštrevičius
Country: Lithuania
Language: EN

The European Union, as a guardian of fundamental freedoms, has protected and will continue to protect media freedom in Georgia, even if it means openly criticising the policies of those in power. There is no room for political meddling in the media.  If previously the European Parliament used to naively hope for the goodwill and understanding of the Georgian Government, we are now demanding a change in the state’s policy and attitude. It is time for Tbilisi to understand what is at stake for the future of the country.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Markéta Gregorová
Country: France
Language: EN

Moreover, I’m very disappointed that the government and other politicians are joining in the media witch—hunt instead of safeguarding the pillar of democracy and society. Therefore, I remind the Georgian Government and authorities that the citizens of Georgia have expressed their wishes of European aspirations. That includes upholding the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law, judicial independence and fundamental freedoms, including free and independent media. Candidate status is not a one—way deal. We want to fulfil your citizens’ wishes. Do you? If yes, you need to uphold some standards.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Anna Fotyga
Country: Denmark
Language: EN

The third president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, as well as Nika Gvaramia, the one-off subject of today’s debate, appealed to us, the best friends of Georgia, despite their criticism of current government feeling historic significance and historic threat to their country, to grant candidacy status, not to leave Georgia in a post—Soviet swamp and not to punish the Georgian people by leaving them behind the potential iron curtain. Look at what is happening in Ukraine. I, myself, opposing some time ago a communist regime, can feel this with all Georgians. And I also appeal to you: grant candidacy status to Georgia as well as Ukraine and Moldova.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Miguel Urbán Crespo
Country: Belgium
Language: ES

Pero, una vez más, parece que la posición de la Unión Europea viene motivada por el importante papel geoestratégico del país caucásico y su solicitud de adhesión, y no realmente por la situación de los derechos humanos en Georgia.  Exigimos que se garantice la libertad de prensa y expresión y que se tomen todas las medidas necesarias para proteger al colectivo LGTBI. El pueblo de Georgia merece nuestra solidaridad y nuestro respeto, y esto implica no ser utilizado como marionetas en función de intereses externos que muchas veces nada tienen que ver con la defensa de la libertad de expresión o la defensa de los derechos humanos.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Andrius Kubilius
Political group: PPE
Country: France
Language: EN

It is not the first time when post-communist countries are facing a similar situation. In 1997, Slovakia was not invited to start negotiations because Slovakia’s then populist Prime Minister, Vladimír Mečiar, was destroying democracy and media freedom values. The Slovakian people resolved that problem and voted out the Mečiar Government. I would urge Georgian Government not to repeat the mistakes of Vladimír Mečiar.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Marina Kaljurand
Political group: S-D
Country: Poland
Language: EN

I was not among the initiators of the resolution. I do not consider it urgent, but I agree with my colleagues that there are problems in Georgia, which I have also mentioned as the co—chair of the EU—Georgia PAC. The country that some years ago was a frontrunner among our eastern partners has recently, unfortunately, lost its speed and steadfast commitment to democratic reforms. I urge Georgian politicians from the governing party, as well as from opposition: take today’s discussion as a last wake—up call, put aside party interests, stop blaming each other and start working together on the democratic reforms that are so needed in Georgia. The window of opportunity is still open. That is what Georgian people are expecting from you.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Karin Karlsbro
Political group: Renew
Country: Poland
Language: SV

En kandidatur till EU medför ett stort ansvar. Ingen tvekan råder om att Georgien hör hemma i Europa. Lika klart är det att det fria ordet är en grundsten i den europeiska demokratin för alla som vill vara med i EU, och det vet den georgiska regeringen mycket väl.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Viola von Cramon-Taubadel
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Ireland
Language: DE

Am Ende müssen wir konzedieren, dass das Gegenteil erreicht wurde. Anstatt sich an die Spitze der Reformbewegung zu setzen, war von all den prowestlichen Beteuerungen der Regierung nicht mehr viel geblieben. Handelsmöglichkeiten über das EU‑Handelsabkommen blieben unausgeschöpft. Ein Abstieg beim Korruptionsindex, aber vor allem bei der Pressefreiheit. Anstatt Journalistinnen und Journalisten zu schützen, werden sie attackiert. Der Fall von Nika Gwaramia ist möglicherweise ein besonders krasser, was die Verletzung der Rechtsstaatlichkeit betrifft, aber er ist sicher keine Ausnahme. Diese Entwicklungen als große Freundin des Landes mitansehen zu müssen, schmerzt sehr.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Joachim Kuhs
Political group: ID
Country: Greece
Language: DE

Wir hören solche Fälle, und meine Praktikantin, die aus Georgien ist, erzählt mir von vielen anderen. Aber wir verhandeln weiter mit Georgien, als wäre nichts gewesen, und wir sind bestrebt, diesem Land den Status des EU-Kandidaten zu geben. Das ist ein Schlag ins Gesicht für alle beitrittswilligen Staaten des Westbalkans, die deutlich mehr Fortschritte gemacht haben als Georgien, das hier sehr zurückgefallen ist. Ja, helfen wir diesem Land – es hat es nötig. Aber drängen wir es nicht in ein Prokrustesbett. Es würde ihnen und auch uns mehr Schaden als Nutzen anrichten.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Peter Pollák
Political group: PPE
Country: Spain
Language: SK

Pani predsedajúca, pred polrokom sme prijali rezolúciu o posilňovaní demokracie a slobody médií. Ako sa v nej uvádza, novinári stále častejšie čelia zastrašovaniu, fyzickým útokom, najmä ak sa zameriavajú na zneužívanie moci, korupciu či porušovanie základných ľudských práv. Takéto praktiky ohrozujú demokraciu a fungujúci právny štát. Gruzínsko v marci tohto roku požiadalo o udelenie štatútu kandidátskej krajiny Európskej únie. Avšak spomínané základné hodnoty, ako je sloboda prejavu či ochrana novinárov, sú v tejto krajine vážne ohrozené. Máme odstrašujúce príklady zavraždeného investigatívneho novinára Jána a jeho snúbenice Martiny zo Slovenska či maltskej investigatívnej novinárky Daphne, ktorí zaplatili životom pri vykonávaní novinárskej práce. Preto je môj odkaz pre gruzínske orgány jasný a jednoznačný: je potrebné konať, a nie len nečinne sa prizerať.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Andrea Cozzolino
Political group: S-D
Country: Poland
Language: IT

Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, signor Commissario, forse non era il momento di discutere e addirittura avere una risoluzione sulla Georgia nel contesto attuale geopolitico. Tuttavia, abbiamo avuto fiducia nella forza del dialogo tra di noi, concentrando la nostra attenzione sulla violazione delle libertà dei media e della sicurezza dei giornalisti e individuando anche le responsabilità delle autorità di governo.  Insieme, nella risoluzione, abbiamo incoraggiato ad andare avanti le autorità georgiane, quelle europee, i tanti e diversi protagonisti, le tante istituzioni, e soprattutto rivolgendoci al popolo georgiano, con le procedure secondo l'articolo 49 per il riconoscimento dello status di candidato per l'ingresso nell'Unione europea. È giusto, è necessario incoraggiare questo processo. Le aspirazioni del popolo georgiano devono trovare una soddisfazione nel Parlamento europeo. Non sprechiamo però questo tentativo, questo lavoro faticoso che stiamo svolgendo da anni. Con questa risoluzione rischiamo di mettere un ostacolo. Dobbiamo essere esigenti, ma non possiamo giocare qui una partita politica con la pretesa di decidere noi quale classe dirigente il popolo georgiano deve darsi. Per questo dobbiamo incoraggiare ad andare avanti in questo processo.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Markéta Gregorová
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: France
Language: EN

I do think that Bidzina Ivanishvili is an oligarch, that we can find proof of his links to the Kremlin and that possible sanctioning would be possible in the future. However, it has no place in this very concise and very important resolution on media freedom, and therefore our group will have to vote against this. However, that doesn’t mean that we in any way don’t think that Bidzina Ivanishvili is a problem behind many problems in Georgia, and I want our Georgian friends to hear this.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Pina Picierno
Country: Spain
Language: IT

In realtà non era una domanda, quindi non so se l'onorevole Cozzolino vuole aggiungere qualcosa, ma credo sia d'accordo con quanto detto dalla collega. Possiamo quindi proseguire con la discussione.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Stanislav Polčák
Political group: PPE
Country: Czechia
Language: CS

Paní předsedající, Gruzie je klíčová země našeho Východního partnerství a já mám Gruzii hluboko ve svém srdci kvůli tomu, že to je raně křesťanská země. Ale také proto, že to je země občanů, kteří vyznávají demokratické hodnoty. Svoboda slova a svoboda médií proto patří mezi základní kameny demokracie, a pokud jsou ohroženy, tak máme za to, že to je skutečně trajektorie sestupu z ochrany demokratického právního státu a lidských práv. Proto bychom měli gruzínské občany ujistit o jejich evropské budoucnosti v rámci našeho společenství – společenství demokratických právních států. Vyzvat je také k tomu, aby tomuto porušování základních hodnot demokratického právního státu řekli ne a aby obnovili svobodu slova a svobodu tisku ve své vlastní zemi.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Eugen Tomac
Political group: PPE
Country: France
Language: RO

Doamnă președintă, domnule comisar, poporul georgian este un popor cu vocație europeană. Evident că derapajele cu privire la îngrădirea libertății de exprimare sunt de neacceptat și ele trebuie condamnate și combătute.  Însă cine își dorește ca Georgia să fie slăbită? Cine își dorește ca Georgia să se distanțeze de Uniunea Europeană? Cine își dorește ca Georgia să nu aibă niciun fel de perspectivă de integrare europeană? Evident că Putin.  Tocmai de aceea cred că răspunsul nostru trebuie să fie mai multă extindere, un suport consistent pentru Georgia și, evident, oamenii politici de acolo trebuie să înțeleagă că Uniunea Europeană nu înseamnă un proiect cu dublă măsură, înseamnă valori, înseamnă libertăți pe care au obligația să le respecte și să le insereze în setul de valori al națiunii georgiene, care merită integrată în Uniunea Europeană. Tocmai de aceea susțin statutul de țară candidată pentru Georgia.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Valdis Dombrovskis
Language: EN

As you know very well, Georgia is a very close partner in our neighbourhood. Our strong relationship is based on an ambitious association agreement with a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement underpinned by our common commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.  The verdict against Mr Nika Gvaramia comes against the backdrop of repeated calls by the EU to further reform the judiciary in order to instil trust and increase its independence – a longstanding commitment by Georgian authorities. The Commission has been very clear on this point – if Georgia is serious about its European path, there can be no room for politicised justice and no room for violations of media freedoms.  We note with concern an increasing number of episodes of violence against journalists in Georgia. Violence and intimidation are never acceptable. We call upon the authorities to leave no space to impunity, to launch impartial, effective and timely investigations on these cases, and to improve the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals.  Unfortunately, we have seen little progress on the investigations and prosecutions of the organisers of the violent attacks on 5 July 2021 against LGBTIQ people and journalists. We call again on the authorities to redouble their efforts and ensure the protection of freedom of assembly against any hateful and intolerant attacks.  We continue to be concerned about the independence and impartiality of the Georgian judiciary. The EU has repeatedly invited Georgia to address these issues and engage in a thorough and comprehensive judicial reform.  Let me conclude by stressing that the EU remains a close friend and partner to Georgia and is firmly engaged to further deepen EU—Georgia relations. This is a crucial moment for Georgia and the wider region in the context where Russia’s war against Ukraine has clearly created a new reality. We truly hope that the Georgian Government we will seize this moment to make progress on Georgia’s democratic path and uphold the high standards in the protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms and human rights. The way authorities will perform in this area will be crucial for any next steps for Georgian European path.
Debate: Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Janina Ochojska
Political group: PPE
Country: France
Language: PL

Gruzja jest jednym ze strategicznych krajów, z którymi integracja jest istotna, szczególnie w świetle złożenia w dniu 3 marca 2022 r. wniosku o członkostwo w Unii Europejskiej. Zgadzam się z zapisem wzywającym Gruzję do zagwarantowania wolności mediów oraz do zagwarantowania niezakłóconego dostępu do informacji, które powinny być publicznie dostępne.  Tekst rezolucji potępia również skazanie Niki Gwaramii, dyrektora głównego opozycyjnego kanału telewizyjnego Mtawari, oraz popiera apel Reporterów bez Granic o rewizję wyroku skazującego Nikę Gwaramię, a także wzywa władze gruzińskie do zwolnienia byłego prezydenta Micheila Saakaszwilego z więzienia, aby mógł poddać się odpowiedniemu leczeniu za granicą.  Bezpieczeństwo, wolność i niezależność dziennikarzy, kluczowe elementy prawa wolności wypowiedzi i wolności mediów zapisane w art. 11 Karty praw podstawowych UE oraz w art. 10 europejskiej konwencji praw człowieka, składają się na filary demokracji.