|
 Assembly
for the
Protection of
Hijab
124 Harrowdene Rd, London HA0 2JF
Tel: 0044 (0) 208 908 9109
Fax: 0044 (0) 208 908 9108
www.prohijab.net
E-mail:
info@prohijab.net
23rd February 05
Press Release
Press
conference in the European Parliament to support Written Declaration
Calling for Freedom of Religious Expression
Assembly for
the Protection of Hijab (Protect Hijab) was proud to take part in
organising the Press Conference held on Wednesday 23rd February
2005, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Hosted by Caroline
Lucas MEP and Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, the Press Conference was the
first step in this campaign in support of the Written Declaration
presented before the European Parliament on Monday 21st February
2004.
The Panel
included 7 speakers; Green MEP for the South-East Caroline Lucas,
London MEPs Sarah Ludford, (Liberal Democrat), Claude Moraes (Labour),
Conservative MEP for the West Midlands Philip Bushill-Matthews and
French Green MEP Alain Lipietz, in addition to Mrs Nora Tafiroult on
behalf of Protect Hijab and Mrs Nadia Karmous on behalf of Federation
of Islamic Organisations in Europe(FIOE). Speakers agreed that
religious intolerance is not going to be accepted. The strong
representation of the British MEPs from main political parties
indicated Britain’s stand point firmly.
Caroline
Lucas MEP, said: "The ban violates the human rights of free expression
and freedom to practice religion, undermines multiculturalism and is
likely to create tension and racist attacks.”
Sarah
Ludford, European justice spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats said:
"Blanket
national bans like the French one instituted in the name of secularism
may be well-intentioned, but they fail to acknowledge individual
identity and the diversity of Europe's population. It would be
unhelpful if similar action spread across the EU."
The
pressure is now on to reach the 310 signature target for the Written
Declaration to be adopted by the European Parliament. The
Protect-Hijab website
has
been dedicated to the campaign, and contains contact details of all
MEPs, up to date list of signatures, model letters and suggestions on
how to campaign. “Each one of us is striving for one of the greatest
causes of modern times; that is to preserve freedom of religious
thought, expression and value. We urge everyone to visit the web-site
and use the information provided to join and support our campaign”
stated Rajnaara Akhtar of Protect Hijab.
For further
details:
write to
info@prohijab.net
For Interview please contact our media department on
07786257120
or 07947787222
|
