The right to freedom of religion in Algeria: the case of Habiba Konida

Motion for a resolution | Doc. 11666 | 25 June 2008

Signatories:

Mr James CLAPPISON, United Kingdom ; Mr Ryszard BENDER, Poland, EDG ; Ms Guðfinna S. BJARNADÓTTIR, Iceland ; Lord Tim BOSWELL, United Kingdom, EDG ; Mr Christopher CHOPE, United Kingdom, EDG ; Mr Juris DOBELIS, Latvia, EDG ; Mr Nigel EVANS, United Kingdom ; Mr John GREENWAY, United Kingdom ; Mr Mike HANCOCK, United Kingdom, ALDE ; Mr Humfrey MALINS, United Kingdom ; Mr Øyvind VAKSDAL, Norway ; Mr Robert WALTER, United Kingdom, EDG ; Mr David WILSHIRE, United Kingdom, EDG ; Ms Karin S. WOLDSETH, Norway

Origin

Referred to the Political Affairs Committee, for information: Reference No. 3477 (29th Sitting, 29 September 2008).

Thesaurus

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.

The Assembly refers to the arrest of Habiba Konida, a 37-year-old Algerian lady, on 29 March 2008 when she was found to be in possession of 10 copies of the Bible; the Assembly also refers to the fact that unauthorised possession of religious books has recently been made an offence in Algerian law.

The Assembly notes that Habiba Konida is being put on trial in Algeria and faces a possible sentence of imprisonment as a result of these circumstances.

The Assembly expresses deep concern about the case of Habiba Konida and other cases in Algeria, which have manifestly infringed the right to freedom of religion.

The Assembly believes that the situation regarding freedom of religion and the case of Habiba Konida should be raised at the Paris Summit for the Mediterranean on 13 July, which is being held to promote the EU–Mediterranean partnership.