Dear President Schulz,
The Board of the European Parliament Working Group on Antisemitism learned about the recent declarations of our colleague, MEP Martina Anderson, during a meeting that took place in the European Parliament on 25th of May 2016.
MEP Martina Anderson called Israeli lobbyists a “rash” which is an insult to all citizens of the State of Israel but more specifically to its Jewish citizens. This language is objectively defamatory and breaches articles 1 and 2 of the Code of conduct of the Members of the European Parliament.
We call upon you, Mr. President, to take appropriate disciplinary action in order to guarantee and uphold the highest standards of conduct for MEP’s and to protect the good name of the institution we represent.
We take this opportunity to convey our sympathy and solidarity to all those being targeted and insulted by MEPs in her speeches. Irresponsible statements, like this one here, undermine the combat against antisemitism. Our work also consists in denouncing our colleagues’ behaviours when they potentially damage the image of the House we solemnly represent.
Mr. President, we look forward to your prompt action and response. Sincerely,
Chairman
MEP Juan F. Lopez Aguilar (Spain, S&D)
Vice-Chairman
MEP Cecilia Wikström (Sweden, ALDE)
Vice-Chairman
MEP Heinz K. Becker (Austria, EPP)