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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 2

Written Answers. - Columban Mission in Pakistan.

Tony Gregory

Question:

58 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will bring to the attention of the Pakistani authorities the concerns outlined in a letter (details supplied) from the Columban Mission, St. Columban's, Navan, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4986/95]

I was aware that on 9 February 14 year old Salamat Masih, who was 11 years of age at the time of the alleged offence, and his uncle, Rahmat Masih, were sentenced to death under Pakistan's blasphemy law. I am glad to say that on 23 February the Lahore High Court overturned both their convictions and sentences and ordered their release.

The Irish Government urged action by the European Union in the Masih case from the time the news of the death sentences became available. The European Union made representations in Islamabad to the Government of Pakistan, expressing its grave concern at the sentences and appealing for them not to be carried out. I know that, once Salamat and Rahmat Masih were released, their lives may have been in danger. I am informed that they have already travelled to Germany.

The current Pakistani Government is committed to reforming the blasphemy law, which was introduced during the military dictatorship of General Zia. The Irish Government and its EU partners remain concerned at the situation created by the existing blasphemy law and are continuing to make representations to the Pakistani authorities.

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