[community] QdN: Help the European Parliament oppose ACTA

[J.C. DE MARTIN]

----- Forwarded message from Jérémie Zimmermann - La Quadrature du Net

Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:09:26 +0100
From: Jérémie Zimmermann - La Quadrature du Net<edri a laquadrature.net>

http://www.laquadrature.net/en/help-the-european-parliament-oppose-acta


Four Members of the European Parliament - Zuzana Roithova (CZ, PPE),
Stavros Lambridins (GR, S&D), Alexander Alvaro (DE, ALDE) and Françoise
Casteix (FR, S&D) - have submitted a written declaration opposing ACTA.

There are now three months to obtain the signatures of the majority of
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for the declaration to be
formally adopted by the Parliament.

"This written declaration rightly expresses concerns about democratic
circumvention and the risks that ACTA represents for fundamental
freedoms. It is a strong platform for citizens to act against ACTA and
help protect the Internet. Every European citizen who loves the Net must
contact the MEPs from his country and urge them to sign this written
declaration." says Jérémie Zimmermann, spokesperson for citizen advocacy
group La Quadrature du Net.

To find lists of MEPs by country, and contact information, go to
Political Memory: http://www.laquadrature.net/wiki/MEPs_by_country

Written declaration on the lack of a transparent process and potentially
objectionable content concerning the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement
(ACTA)

     The European Parliament,

     – having regard to Rule 123 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. Whereas the ongoing negotiations concerning the Anti-Counterfeiting
Trade Agreement (ACTA).

B. Whereas the co-decision role of the European Parliament in commercial
matters and its access to negotiation documents guaranteed by the Lisbon
Treaty,

1. Considers that the proposed agreement should not indirectly impose
harmonisation of EU copyright, patent or trademark law. The principle of
subsidiarity should be respected,

2. Declares that the Commission should immediately make all documents
related to the ongoing negotiations publicly available.

3. Takes the view that the proposed agreement should not force
limitations upon judicial due process nor weaken fundamental rights such
as freedom of expression and the right to privacy.

4. Stresses that the evaluation of economic and innovation risks must
take place prior to introducing criminal sanctions where civil measures
are already in place.

5. Considers that Internet service providers should not bear liability
for the data they transmit or host through their services to an extent
that would imply prior surveillance or filtering of such data.

6. Points out that any measure aimed at strengthening powers for
cross-border inspection and seizures of goods should not harm global
access to legal, affordable and safe medicines.

7. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with
the names of the signatories, to the Commission, the Council and the
parliaments of the Member States.


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