“The Camp Ashraf residents have many friends in this parliament”, MEP Stephen Hughes

Hughes“The Camp Ashraf residents have many friends in this parliament.

From across the political spectrum we will continue to work together to guarantee that we do all in our power to focus the world’s attention on the injustices that you continue to face,” said Stephen Hughes, MEP, in the European Parliament in Brussels on November 11.

The First Vice President of the Socialist and Democrats Group was speaking in a meeting organized by the parliamentary intergroup «Friends of a Free Iran» chaired by EP Vice President Alejo Vidal-Quadras. Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the Iranian Resistance, was the special guest.

Here are excerpts from Mr. Hughes’ speech:

I feel privileged to share this platform with Madame Rajavi. I believe that the attack against Camp Ashraf and the threats that remain towards the residents of Camp Ashraf are undoubtedly crimes against humanity.

Some European governments have taken direct action, while others have spoken out, however too many have remained silent at the crimes committed. Too many governments have attempted quiet diplomacy behind the scenes, while too many have pretended that there is not even an issue. The US government has been even more deafening in terms of its silence, while the UN has been practically inactive in relation to Camp Ashraf.

The Camp Ashraf residents have many friends in this parliament. From across the political spectrum we will continue to work together to guarantee that we do all in our power to focus the world’s attention on the injustices that you continue to face.

I think that the time has come for us to make a considered call upon the United Nations to take direct action in parts of the world where these sorts of crimes are committed. These crimes should not have been allowed to go on as long as they have.

I am proud to be associated with the PMOI and my colleagues alongside me today. I vow to continue to work with them to make sure they we achieve the breakthrough towards democracy.