SPAIN SIDE-LINES UNHRC RECOMMENDATIONS
Despite criticism by the United Nations HRC of repression of political parties in Spain the clamp down continues. The Celtic League reported earlier this month that D2M Aldaketa Democrazia 2 (Democracy 2 Million) and Askatasuna had been banned, see:
What is now clear that these new bans have been put in place despite a recent critical report by the 'United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin'
In his report on Spain published on the 16th of December 2008 Martin Scheinin says:
"54. The Special Rapporteur recommends that any proscription of illicit organizations is carried out with scrupulous regard to the conditions required when restricting freedom of association and freedom of expression, i.e. in accordance with the law and the principles of necessity and proportionality. The proscription of organizations, together with the application of vaguely and broadly formulated provisions relating to terrorist crimes, ultimately undermines the strong moral message inherent in strict definitions based on the inexcusable nature of all acts of terrorism.
55. Political pluralism plays a fundamental role in the existence of a genuinely democratic society, and any measures taken by the State to limit the right to political participation must be of a strictly exceptional nature and predictable by law. The Special Rapporteur strongly recommends that Spain brings vaguely formulated expressions in the Organic Law on Political Parties in line with international standards on the limitation of freedom of expression, so as to avoid any risk of applying it to political parties that share the political orientation of a terrorist organization, but do not support the use of violent means."
It is clear that Spain is sending a clear statement of its disregard for International law and standards.
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
08/01/09
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