Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 25 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 2004. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many prisoners of conscience in Sudan, detained for the non-violent expression of their opinions, have been released in the last six months. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many prisoners of conscience in Sudan, detained for the non-violent expression of their opinions, have been released in the last six months. [194458] Mr. Mullin: The Sudan Organisation Against Torture (SOAT) estimates that, during the last six months, 139 people have been arrested in Sudan for the non-violent expression of their opinions. Of these, 24 have so far been released. SOAT is closely monitoring the cases of those who remain in custody. Our embassy in Khartoum makes regular representations to the Government of Sudan on the need for due process in its judicial system and maintains close contact with Sudanese human rights organisations.

Secondary information