Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 11 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 October 2010. It was answered by David Lidington (Conservative) on Monday, 18 October 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Belarus: Religious Freedom

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of steps taken by the Belarus government in relation to the New Life Church; whether he has made recent representations to the government of Belarus on religious freedom; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Government continue to have serious concerns about freedom of religion in Belarus. While the Catholic and Orthodox churches are able to operate unhindered, Protestant churches face a particularly difficult environment. Our embassy in Minsk works closely with EU partners to raise our concerns about these issues with the Belarusian authorities. We maintain regular contact with civil society organisations devoted to human and civil rights, including freedom of religion. We also observe their public demonstrations and court cases. Our embassy meets representatives of the New Life Church regularly and will continue to follow this case.

Secondary information