B4-1126/95

Resolution on unfair trials in Kenya

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to the case of Koigi wa Wamwere, a human rights activist in Kenya, and his three co-defendants - Charles Kuria Wamwere, James Maigwa and G.G. Njuguna Ngengi - whose court trial was abruptly stopped on 11 July 1995 after their counsel was denied the right to present their final submissions orally, which violates both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, both of which Kenya has ratified,

B.whereas prior to the date, the prosecution had been allowed to present its final submissions orally for 14 days,

C.appalled that the four men - who have all been adopted as prisoners of conscience - might face the death sentence if convicted,

D.expressing concern at reports by international legal and human rights observers at the trial that the four defendants were denied a fair trial in accordance with international standards,

E.whereas the case is part of a pattern of harassment and intimidation of human rights activists and political opponents by the Kenyan authorities,

F.applauding the recent public condemnation of Kenya's human rights record by Baroness Chalker, UK Minister of Overseas Development, before a meeting with President Moi,

1.Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Koigi wa Wamwere, Charles Kuria Wamwere, James Maigwa and G.G. Njuguna Ngengi;

2.Urges the Kenyan authorities to put an end to the harassment and intimidation of their political opponents;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Kenyan President, the governments of the Member States and the UN Secretary-General.