Motion for a resolution for topical and urgent debate under Rule 47

tabled by Olivier DUPUIS on behalf of ARE

ON THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KIDNAPPING AND IMPRISONMENT IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT OF MORDECHAI VANUNU

The European Parliament

A. Recalling that Mordechai Vanunu was kidnapped from Rome on 30 September 1996 and since then has been held in solitary confinement in Israel,

B. Aware that a sentence of 18 years' imprisonment was passed by a court, sitting in camera, for the offence of publicising the existence of the Israeli nuclear weapons programme, on which Mr. Vanunu had worked until aged 31 as a relatively junior technician,

C. Shocked that this man, who made his disclosure for reasons of conscience, has suffered such a long sentence and in such inhumane conditions,

D. Recalling that this prolonged solitary confinement constitutes cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, which is prohibited by international law regardless of the reasons of its imposition,

1. Deeply regrets no mercy has been shown to Mordechai Vanunu since it adopted its previous resolutions on 14 June 1990, 22 November 1990 and 10 October 1991;

2. Concludes that the Israeli authorities may be motivated by fears that Mr.Vanunu would disclose detailed evidence that his kidnapping was a breach of international law and a criminal conspiracy in an EU member state;

3. Calls upon the competent Israeli authorities to show clemency to Mordechai Vanunu by removing him from solitary confinement and considering his early release;

4. Requests its Foreign Affairs Committee or relevant subcommittee, unless there is an early release, to invite representatives of Mordechai Vanunu and the governments of Israel and Italy to give evidence and to explain their respective viewpoints on the circumstances of the kidnapping, conviction, sentence and conditions of imprisonment;

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and to the governments of Israel and Italy.