UK Parliament- Written Questions 11. - 12.02.13

Commons Debates - Written Questions - transcript from Daily Hansard


Western Sahara
11 Feb 2013: Column 492W 

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will instruct HM Ambassador to Morocco to investigate reports that demonstrations in El Aaiun, Western Sahara in connection with the trial of 24 Saharawi political prisoners were violently dispersed by Moroccan police. [142089]  
Alistair Burt: We are aware of the reports to which the question refers. We follow events in Western Sahara very closely. We frequently discuss human rights issues relating to Western Sahara with the Moroccan authorities, including at senior level in Rabat and during the embassy's regular visits to Western Sahara itself.

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will instruct HM Ambassador to Morocco to investigate reports that the Moroccan police is handing out Saharawi clothing to Moroccans in Salé so as to create the impression that Saharawi are demanding the maximum sentence to be pronounced against the 24 Saharawi political prisoners in Salé prison. [142090]
Alistair Burt: Our embassy in Rabat is aware of Moroccan media reports of this nature. It is not however aware of any official comment from the authorities about this allegation. Our embassy will continue to monitor reporting about the trial.

12 Feb 2013 : Column 652W 
Morocco 

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Moroccan ambassador that the 24 Saharawi prisoners imprisoned since the dismantling of the Gdeim Izik protest camp should be tried in a civilian court. [142296]
Alistair Burt: We regularly discuss human rights issues with the Moroccan authorities and have urged them to ensure a fair trial in the Gdim Izik case. I raised our concerns regarding this case with the Moroccan Justice Minister in June 2012.

Western Sahara

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will instruct HM Ambassador to Morocco to send an observer to the trial of the 24 Saharawi political prisoners in Salé prison, imprisoned after the dismantling of the Gdaim Izik protest camp. [142091]

 12 Feb 2013 : Column 653W

Alistair Burt: There are currently no plans to instruct the British ambassador to Morocco to send an observer to the trial. However, the British embassy in Rabat is following this case closely and will continue to emphasise to the Moroccan authorities the importance of full respect for human rights in dealing with this case. I raised our concerns with the Moroccan Justice Minister in June 2012.


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