Please find below part of the the text of EP member Richard Howitt's speech to the European Parliament yesterday and the response from the Commissioner responsible. Below that the press release put out by the Socialist group in the parliament

Richard Howitt (PSE). -

I also want to call today for specific European support in the next year for the final report of the UN Secretary-General's personal representative on business and human rights. As Parliament's rapporteur on this issue, I am deeply concerned that in Bangalore this week Indian courts will seek to execute an international arrest warrant against seven Dutch activists from the Clean Clothes Campaign because they posted a report on labour violations at the Indian supplier of the fashion label G-Star, including forced overtime and physical and verbal abuse, on the internet.

This is in contradiction of the Indian Government's responsibilities under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. I ask the Council and Commission to investigate this case, and I appeal for all EU governments not to cooperate with this arrest warrant on a fundamental issue both of labour rights and of freedom of speech.

Commissioner Waldner's response

Let me finally say a word on India. We are aware of the legal action that has been taken by Fibres and Fabrics International against the Clean Clothes Campaign. This issue is particularly important to those of the Commission's directorates-general that are concerned with fair labour practices. We have asked the Commission delegation in Delhi to keep us apprised of the situation that is proceeding in the Indian courts, and we have to look into the detention that has been mentioned.

Press Release from the SOCIALIST GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Strasbourg ,Tuesday 11th December

Contact David Poyser Mobile/GSM 00 32 476 540886
Brian Dawson (Richard Howitt MEP's office) +32 495360928 (mobile)

Seven European Human Right campaigners are facing international arrest warrants being put in place from tomorrow (Wednesday 13) by the Indian Government for highlighting human rights abuses taking place in the Indian garment industry, the European Parliament has been told today.

UK Labour Richard Howitt MEP, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Human Rights Sub-Committee, in his speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, called on Member States of the EU to refuse the extradition of seven human rights campaigners following the lawsuits initiated by the clothing manufacturer Fibre and Fabrics International (FFI) and its subsidiary Jeans Knits Pvt. Ltd (JKPL).

The case has been taken against the Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC) and the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN) for their role in publicising reports of high work pressure, forced unpaid overtime, and physical and verbal abuse at their plants.

On December 1, the Magistrates Court in Bangalore requested the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs to execute arrest warrants, and call for extradition of the seven Dutch nationals, branding these activists as "international criminals" for raising human rights concerns. Tomorrow sees all necessary documentation being handed over to the Home Affairs Ministry allowing them to implement the extradition request.

Speaking to a packed European Parliament chamber as part of a debate on Human Rights, Socialist Group member Richard Howitt said MEP " if these international arrest warrants are sanctioned by the Indian government it criminalises free speech and sends the message that human rights concerns cannot be raised without fear of persecution.

"I call on India not to give executive approval to the international arrest warrant, and I ask EU Member States to back the stance already taken by Holland and publicly declare that they will not extradite these people."

ENDS