This is an open letter, drafted by Willem Aldershoff, Former head of unit, European Commission, Analyst international affairs, Brussels and Michel Waelbroeck, Emeritus professor in European Law Université libre, Bruxelles, Emeritus member of the Institute of International Law, Brussels, implores European citizens and PACE delegates to reject Russia’s attempts to unconditionally return to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Signed by former and current politicians, journalists, and experts, the letter concludes that PACE must not abdicate the power to sanction delegations that violate the Council of Europe’s basic principles.
DEAR CITIZEN OF EUROPE,
In most parts of the world, people suffering injury at the hands of their government have no possibility of obtaining redress except through the national court system. Since these courts are not necessarily independent from their government, there is generally no assurance that they will obtain satisfaction.
