Vol. 504 No. 5
106 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports from Sudan that two priests (details supplied) involved in human rights campaigns may be facing crucifixion if found guilty of trumped up charges of bombing; the representations, if any, he will make through the European Union or the United Nations to ensure that these human rights abuses stop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12413/99]
The Government, together with our European partners, are continuing to take a close interest in the trials of Father Leno Sebit, Father Hilary Boma and their co-accused who are being tried in connection with the bombings which took place in Khartoum last June.
I raised my concerns about the human rights situation in Sudan, including with specific reference to this case, when I met the Sudanese Minister for External Affairs, Dr. Mustafa Ismail Osman in Dublin on 12 April last. I urged that their cases be conducted in accordance with international standards of human rights and justice. I have also raised the subject of the trial at the EU General Affairs Council. At my request, the Irish ambassador in Cairo, who is accredited to Sudan, and the ambassador to the Holy See have been closely monitoring the situation since last year.
I had been especially concerned that the two priests were being tried by a military tribunal with limited access to their legal representatives and under threat of the death penalty. I am happy to inform the House that they are now thought to be safe from the threat of execution. I also understand that the trial has been moved from the military court to the new constitutional court. I understand, further, that Fathers Sebit and Boma were moved in late April from a military prison to a federal prison. I hope that this will make it easier for them to receive visits and medical attention and to confer with their legal representatives.
Our continuing concerns about human rights violations in Sudan were taken up at the recent session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, where a specific resolution on this issue was adopted.
The Government will continue its efforts, both bilaterally and in conjunction with EU partners, to urge the Sudanese authorities to treat these cases in accordance with international standards of human rights and justice with a right to appeal. We will closely monitor any future hearings. It is hoped that our efforts can help to ensure a fair trial for those accused as well as contribute to building the confidence necessary for lasting peace with justice for all the people of Sudan.
