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Written question asked by Mark Durkan (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Thursday, 2 February 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 February 2017. It was answered by Tobias Ellwood (Conservative) on Friday, 10 February 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sudan: Religious Freedom

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effect on freedom of religion or belief in Sudan as a result of the verdict in the recent case related to Reverend Hassan Abduraheem, Petr Jasek and Abdumonem Abdumawla in that country.

Answer

We are deeply concerned by the verdict in the case against Pastor Hassan Abduelraheen Kodi, Petr Jasek, and Abdulmonem Abdumawlla. We are aware that the defendants have the right to appeal. Officials from our Embassy in Khartoum were present in court for the verdict, and together with our international partners, coordinated attendance at all hearings since their initial arrest. We have regularly raised our concerns over this case directly with the Government of Sudan, most recently on 22 January; and we will continue to do so as part of our ongoing human rights dialogue.

More widely, freedom of religion or belief in Sudan remains a concern. We continue to urge the Government of Sudan to uphold the commitments of the Interim Constitution of 2005, within which religious freedom is enshrined.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
62867
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Religious freedom Sudan
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk