Persecution Of Christians In Pakistan, Syria and Iraq Condemned By The European Parliament

The European Parliament has passed three separate resolutions condemning aggression and persecution against Christians in Syria, Pakistan and Iran thus asking for protection for journalists and calling for free access to the internet in Sudan while criticizing communal terrorism and violence against Christians in Iraq. During the meeting the MEPs articulated concerns for Christians in Syria strongly condemning attacks on Syrian Christians by militants in Maaloula and the nearby area while calling for monasteries in the region to be sheltered and for direct support and humanitarian aid to nuns and orphans trapped in the Convent of St Tekla. At this occasion, the MEP’s furthermore condemned the most deadly attacks on Christians in Pakistan on the All Saints Church in Peshawar. They further expressed intense concerns about the general situation of religious minorities in Pakistan particularly the potential threats to Churches. Furthermore, the MEPs insisted on the Pakistani authorities to refurbish the blasphemy laws and their current appliance,”As they can be misused against people of all faiths in Pakistan.” The fate of Pastor Saeed Abedini in Iran is also a matter of cavernous concern to MEPs, while they called on the government to vindicate and release him right away. Additionally, MEPs called for the reinstatement of human rights and basic freedoms following current disputes and demonstrations in Sudan, while urging the Sudanese Government “To cease all forms of repression against those who exercise their right to freedom of expression, both online and offline, and to protect journalists”. The resolution further added, “People should be allowed to have free access to the internet at all times.” The MEPs urged the Sudanese authorities to reassess the legislation. The Members of the European Parliament additionally called on the European Commission “To legally restrict the export of mass surveillance technologies from EU countries where they are likely to be used to violate digital freedoms and other human rights”. In addition to this, MEPs unalterably condemned the topical acts of terrorism and sectarian violence in Iraq, thus calling on the authorities “to facilitate a full and swift independent international investigation and to cooperate fully with that investigation”. The resolution added, “All leaders and players in society should start to work together to end the bloodshed and ensure that all Iraqi citizens feel equally protected.” - See more at: http://www.christiansinpakistan.com/persecution-of-christians-in-pakistan-syria-and-iraq-condemned-by-the-european-parliament/#sthash.HRlwiRuI.dpuf