Resolution on the case of Abdoul Aziz Goma, arbitrarily detained in Togo

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the case of Abdoul Aziz Goma, arbitrarily detained in Togo.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew and Greens/EFA groups.

Abdoul Aziz Goma, a dual Irish-Togolese citizen, was arrested and detained in Togo in December 2018 on charges of assisting local protestors with pre-election protests. Mr Goma has been subjected to severe torture and held incommunicado for long periods leading to a grave deterioration of his health during detention.

Parliament strongly condemned the arbitrary arrest and prolonged incommunicado detention of and torture suffered by Abdoul Aziz Goma and urged the Togolese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release him and that authorities facilitate his urgent medical evacuation. In parallel, the resolution called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.

Members also called for the Togolese penitentiary system to be reformed and the practice of arbitrary pretrial imprisonment of political opponents to be ended.

Lastly, the EU and its Member States are called on to use diplomatic channels to resolve this case and support efforts to strengthen judicial independence and the rule of law in Togo.