Parliamentary Question on Golden Dawn’s hate speech targeted to Western Thrace Turkish Minority

European Commission: To investigate any instances of hate speech or Holocaust denial and to prosecute the perpetrators of such offences are under the national authorities

The European Commission answered the Parliamentary Question on hate speeches committed by members of the Hellenic Parliament, which was submitted by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Ms Sophia in’t Veld (The Netherlands) on 14 August 2013.

At the Parliamentary Question, MEP Ms. in’t Veld referred to numerous racist and xenophobic statements perpetuated by the members of the Hellenic Parliament both inside and outside of the Parliament. In’t Veld stressed that not only the Jewish minority but also other minorities including Western Thrace Turkish Minority has become target of Golden Dawn deputies. Having questioned the Commission’s view regarding Greek MPs racist statements in relation to the EU Framework Decision on racism and xenophobia (2008/913/JHA), in’t Veld noted that although the deadline for transposing the respective legislation into national law was November 2010, Greece failed to do it. Further to these remarks, in’t Veld asked what instruments the Commission had in order to ensure the correct transposition of framework Decision into the Greek national law.

In’t Veld lastly questioned whether Charter of the Fundamental Rights of the European Union is applicable in the case of racist statements and if so, whether these incidents are in breach of the provisions of the Charter.

The answer given by the EU Vice-President Mrs. Viviane Reding on behalf of the Commission cites that the Commission condemns all forms and manifestations of racism and xenophobia, as they are incompatible with the principal values the EU is founded on. Furthermore, the answer indicated that the Commission closely follows developments as regards the issue in Greece and any other lo-cality where serious concerns are on rise. The current monitoring on Member States’ implementing measures of Framework decision was planned to be integrated into a comprehensive report due for publication in December 2013, communicated Mrs. Reding within the answer.

Lastly, the Commission indicated that investigation of any instances of hate speech or Holocaust denial and prosecution of perpetrators of such offences were under the national authorities.

You can access the Parliamentary Question by MEP Sophia in’t Veld and the answer on: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2013-009567&language=EN