Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party
In their resolution, MEPs condemn the arrest of the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, and express great concern regarding the politically motivated accusations that could lead to Tundu Lissu being sentenced to death.
They urge the Tanzanian authorities to restore Chadema’s full participation in the October 2025 elections, engage in dialogue with all political parties on electoral reform, respect the political parties’ rights and guarantee free and fair elections.
The resolution denounces the escalation of repression in Tanzania, with arbitrary arrests and the harassment of opposition politicians, human rights defenders, LGBTQI+ activists, journalists and civil society organisations.
Tanzania must abolish the death penalty and commute all death sentences, say MEPs, and the EU must ensure its development cooperation with Tanzania, not least under the Global Gateway initiative, is compatible with the promotion of human rights, freedom of expression and fair trial standards.
The resolution was adopted by show of hands.
Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia
MEPs strongly condemn the “genocidal strategy” carried out by Russia, with the support of Belarus, designed to erase Ukrainian identity. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, their assassination, and the forced Russification and militarisation must stop.
Russia must report the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return. The Russian authorities must also allow international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF, access to all deported Ukrainian children, argue MEPs.
The EU must continue to support the Ukrainian authorities and international and non‑governmental organisations in their efforts to document the deported children. . MEPs also call on the EU and the member states to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The international community must meanwhile hold Russia accountable by reinforcing coordination through the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the Special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. “Any genuine peace deal must include the repatriation of these children and accountability for forcible transfers and deportations, ” MEPs conclude.
The resolution was adopted by 516 votes in favour, 3 votes against and 34 abstentions.
Violations of religious freedom in Tibet
MEPs strongly condemn China’s repressive assimilation policies and violations of human rights, which seek to eliminate Tibet’s religious and cultural traditions and heritage. They express deep concern regarding the death in suspicious circumstances of Tulku Hungkar Dorje in March 2025 in Vietnam and call for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation, with international oversight, access to evidence and witnesses, and the immediate return of his remains.
China’s authorities must put an end to discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, allow peaceful religious practice, and release all religious and political prisoners, including the rightful Panchen Lama and Ilham Tohti.
Parliament also condemns the transnational repression practices of the Chinese authorities and their interference in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama. It calls on the EU to impose sanctions on officials and entities responsible for human rights violations in Tibet.
The resolution was adopted by 478 votes in favour, 30 votes against and 41 abstentions.
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