Eu Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner

EU. TRADE OF TORTURE EQUIPMENT BANNED

June 30, 2005: for the first time the EU is banning trade in goods that have no use other than for capital punishment or torture. Strict controls will also be imposed on multiple-use goods which could be used to inflict torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. These measures are part of a groundbreaking trade Regulation proposed by the European Commission and agreed by the 25 Member States. The new rules reflect the EU’s unequivocal rejection of torture and the death penalty.
Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said: “This new Regulation is one of many steps that the EU is taking to stop these inhuman practices and is further evidence that respect for human rights is at the heart of EU foreign policy. Repressive regimes will no longer be able to buy their equipment from European companies.” The Commissioner added that, “The Commission’s objective is to encourage all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty, outlaw torture and follow the EU’s lead in controlling trade in goods used for these purposes.”
The new regulation will:
Impose a blanket trade ban on goods that have no practical use other than capital punishment or torture. These goods will include electric shock belts, electric chairs and guillotines;
Provide a strict regime for the control of exports of multiple-use goods which could be used for the purpose of torture but which also have legitimate applications. Examples in this category are leg irons and electric shock weapons;
Allow Member States who so choose to outlaw the trade of leg-irons, gang-chains or electric shock weapons.
The Regulation allows the Commission to amend the list of goods subject to control as and when new equipment appears on the market. (Sources: Europa - portal of the European institutions, 30/06/2005)