Written question asked by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 April 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Monday, 24 April 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made regarding the recent arrest of Bria Mackosso and Christian Mounzeo in the Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We understand that Bria Mackosso and Christian Mounzeo were arrested following accusations of misappropriation of funds from the human rights organisation founded by Mr. Mounzeo. Local non-governmental organisations and media have strongly criticised the arrests as irregular and politically motivated. The human rights situation in the Republic of Congo remains poor, with limited freedom of expression. The UK takes seriously the protection of human rights and their defenders. We have raised our concerns about these arrests with the Republic of Congo Embassy in Kinshasa. We will continue to monitor the case.

Secondary information