Executions in Egypt unacceptable, says German lawmaker

The recent executions in Egypt are an unacceptable violation of human rights, according to a senior German lawmaker.

Gyde Jensen, chair of the German parliament’s Human Rights Committee, sharply criticized Egyptian authorities for executing nine men on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in a 2015 bomb attack that killed Hisham Barakat, Egypt’s prosecutor general.

"Capital punishment contradicts the concept of human rights. The execution of nine prisoners is an unacceptable human rights violation,” she told Anadolu Agency.

The execution of the nine young people caused an international uproar, with Amnesty International saying they were convicted after “grossly unfair trials” marred by alleged torture.

Jensen also expressed grave concern over reports of torture and Egypt’s deteriorating human rights situation.

“It is a seriously worrying sign that human rights defenders on the ground repeatedly report incidents of torture and inhumane treatment in Egyptian prisons,” she said.

The liberal politician, a member of the Free Democratic Party, has called on Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition government to raise the issue of human rights in bilateral talks with Egypt.

“The German government has to prove its credibility by promoting universal values around the globe. A good working relationship between Germany and Egypt has to be based on the acceptance of human rights,” she said.

Jensen criticized the government for failing to take a clear stance on Egypt’s serious human rights violations.

“Thus far, the German government unfortunately tends to prioritize security concerns and economic cooperation over human rights. It is crucial to thoroughly examine the background and motivations of the recent verdicts and to establish a monitoring process for human rights in the country,” she said.

Jensen also underlined that European countries need to speak with a “united voice” to have a positive impact on the human rights situation in Egypt.