Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 26 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 October 2007. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 8 October 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Religious Freedom

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will take steps to bring to justice those Islamic extremists responsible for the systematic intimidation and driving out of Christians from Dora district and the neighbourhoods of Al-Baya'a, Al-Thurat and Al-Saydia in Baghdad; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Responsibility for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Iraq is the responsibility of the Iraqi security forces and judicial authorities. The Government remain deeply concerned about the high levels of violence which Iraqis, including Christians, are having to endure. We continue to raise this in our regular contacts with the Iraqi Government and to press for action to protect all Iraqis. We understand that the Iraqi authorities, with the backing of coalition forces, have increased the security presence in Dora.

Secondary information