Human rights violations in Cyprus, Rwanda and Togo 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.

• MEPs condemned Türkiye’s continued illegal occupation of northern Cyprus and the illegal detention of five Greek Cypriot citizens, and call for the consideration of punitive measures 
• In Rwanda, Parliament calls for the immediate release of Victoire Ingabire and urges the Commission to review assistance to public institutions involved in arbitrary detentions, torture or unfair trials 
• The Togolese authorities must unconditionally release political prisoners, including Abdul Aziz Goma, and follow the advice of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. 

On Thursday, Parliament adopted three emergency resolutions on Cyprus, Rwanda and Togo.

Detention of European citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus

In their resolution, MEPs condemn Türkiye’s continued illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus for 51 years and denounce a serious violation of international law and an obstacle to peace, stability and relations between the European Union and Türkiye.

The detention since July 2025 of five Greek Cypriot citizens – Antonis Louka, Andreas Kyprianou, Annie Kyprianou, Niki Gregoriou and Gregoris Gregoriou – after visiting their properties in the village of Galatia is “illegal and politically motivated”, say MEPs. Even if three of them were released under conditions on 10 September, they remain in the occupied territory and cannot go back to their homes, MEPs added.

The Turkish military occupation regime is trying, through abduction and hostage-taking, to intensify intimidation, the resolution states. According to MEPs, it targets and influences people who attempt to visit their ancestral properties or appeal to the “Immovable Property Commission” in the occupied areas.

Finally, MEPs point out that the EU has a moral and legal obligation to support the Republic of Cyprus and its citizens, who are also EU citizens, and call on the Commission and the European External Action Service to take all necessary measures, including considering punitive measures.

The resolution was adopted by 597 votes in favour and no votes against, with 5 abstentions. For more details, the full version will be available here. (11.9.25)

The case of Victoire Ingabire in Rwanda

Denouncing an ongoing trial marred by serious irregularities, MEPs call for the immediate and unconditional release of Victoire Ingabire, leader of Rwanda’s political opposition and President of the Dalfa-Umurinzi party. More generally, they express serious concern about the series of abuses committed against opposition parties and figures, journalists, civil society actors and dissidents, denounce the harassment and arbitrary arrests, and demand that politically motivated charges be dropped.

MEPs urge the Rwandan authorities to guarantee freedom of the press and to propose a political space and democratic participation, including by guaranteeing free and fair elections. They call for a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the unresolved deaths and enforced disappearances of opposition figures.

Parliament calls on the European Commission to review assistance, including financial aid, to Rwandan public institutions involved in arbitrary detentions, torture or unfair trials. The EU and the Member States must address the issue of human rights and the repression of the political opposition during political dialogues with the Rwandan government, MEPs conclude.

The resolution was adopted by 549 votes in favour and 2 against, with 41 abstentions. For more details, the full version will be available here. (11.9.25)

Case of Abdul Aziz Goma, arbitrarily detained in Togo

Irish-Togolese citizen Abdul Aziz Goma must be released immediately and unconditionally, MEPs say. They condemn Goma’s prolonged incommunicado detention and torture and call on the Togolese authorities to facilitate his emergency medical evacuation and annul his conviction.

In the text, MEPs call on the Togolese authorities to reform the country’s prison system, underlining the conclusions of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the UN Committee against Torture. They also urge Togo to ensure that freedom of assembly and expression are protected in the country.

Arbitrarily imprisoning and torturing political opponents or individuals considered critical of the government undermines the rule of law and democratic governance in Togo, MEPs point out.

The resolution was adopted by show of hands. For more details, the full version will be available here. (11.9.25)