On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT), Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights stated:
"Today is a day of pride for anyone who believes in human dignity and equality.
Unfortunately, in many places around the world, to expose one's homosexual orientation is not only risky from a social point of view. It is not a question of reputation, but a question of life. Let's never forget that today more than 72 countries worldwide still criminalize homosexuality with at least five applying the death penalty. This is unacceptable..."
Following the most recent outbreak of violence in Gaza and the latest developments, Pier Antonio Panzeri, Chair of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights, stated:
"We cannot remain silent in the face of what happened on Monday: a number of Palestinians killed and injured, amongst them several children, during the mass demonstration near the Gaza fence. Nothing can ever justify the use of military force against civilians who exercise their legitimate rights to protest peacefully."
Following the conviction to 32 years in prison for human rights defender Germain Rukuki, the Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT) stated:
"I am gravely concerned at the harsh verdict on Germain Rukuki who faced charges of "rebellion" and "threatening the security of the State". While concrete evidence of guilt are lacking, this sentence appears as resulting from the authorities' will to criminalise the legitimate activity of Mr Rukuki, and by doing so, to deter other human rights defenders to work in Burundi. Mr Rukuki must be released immediately, his legal rights must be respected and authorities should reverse his conviction."
Alarmed by ongoing harassments of journalists and social media activists, the Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT) made the following statement:
"Press freedom is one of the fundamental freedoms enshrined in universal human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Press and media freedom is also one of the core freedoms guaranteed by the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.