Human Rights are indivisible - even in the fight against terrorism

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 7th Sep 2005

Speaking in the European Parliament debate today in Strasbourg, Graham WATSON MEP, leader of the European Liberal Democrat group reminded Council and Commission that the measures being developed to counter terrorism must not undermine the basic human rights of all citizens, including suspected terrorists.

Commenting after the debate, Graham Watson said:

"Although a natural and understandable human reaction to acts of terror such as those in London on July 7th or in Madrid in March last year is to de-humanise the perpetrators and exact summary justice, this 'high-noon' approach to a serious and complex threat is inadequate and short-sighted as it risks further alienating large sections of our communities and placing the entire population under national surveillance as a result of the actions of a handful of fanatics".

"There is undeniably a strong case for increased European cooperation in the fight against terrorism but governments should first ensure that the existing 24 counter-terrorism measures are effectively implemented in all Member States. Eurojust and Europol capabilities could be more fully exploited and Europol should be brought within parliamentary oversight."