(09/09/2016)
Dear Manfred,
We are writing to you as fellow Members of the European Parliament and as Co-Presidents of the European Parliament Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup (ARDI) and Chair of the S&D Working Group on Extremism to draw your attention to a racist and xenophobic tweet sent by György Schöpflin MEP, a member of the European Peoples Party group.
Mr Schöpflin tweeted at the end of last month that pig heads should be placed along Hungary’s border fence to deter migrants coming into the country. The tweet was clearly Islamophobic in nature and unacceptable behaviour for a Member of European Parliament.
Therefore, we would urge you to take immediate action against Mr Schöpflin. Such behaviour should not be tolerated and should be sanctioned by the EPP group. His actions are all the more irresponsible and dangerous given that he is a Member of the European Parliament and in the current context in Europe where the rights of migrants have come under attack.
Racism and xenophobia are direct violations of the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. It is imperative that all of us fight intolerance and we hope you take action.
We look forward to receiving your reply and how you will take action.
Yours sincerely
Soraya Post MEP
Co-President of ARDI
Cécile Kashetu Kyenge MEP
Co-President of ARDI
Tanja Fajon MEP
Chair of the S&D Working Group on Extremism and member of ARDI