Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2015

Thursday, 5 November 2015

Questions (200)

Seán Crowe

Question:

200. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been sentenced to death by beheading by a Saudi Arabian court; if he is aware that he is a prominent human rights activist and scholar who has campaigned for reforms within Saudi Arabia; if he is aware that international legal experts have concluded that his trial did not meet the international standards relating to the right to a fair trial; and if he will raise this clear violation of freedom of speech and assembly as well as Ireland's opposition to the death penalty with the Saudi authorities. [38939/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am indeed fully aware of this high-profile human rights case.

In conjunction with our EU partners in Saudi Arabia, our serious concerns about this case have been conveyed to the Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels. We can have the greatest impact on matters of foreign policy, including human rights, when the 28 EU Member States speak with one voice, as in the case in this particular instance.

On 8 July 2015, HRVP Mogherini stated that the EU will continue to closely follow this case specifically, and the issue of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia in general, and to voice its concern through appropriate diplomatic channels.

Ireland is very active on these issues at the UN as well as within the EU. This is evidenced by the recommendations that Ireland made to Saudi Arabia during its most recent review under the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review process in October 2013.

Ireland opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and has expressed concerns about its increased use of late in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia. Abolition of the death penalty is amongst our priorities as a member of the Human Rights Council.

I wish to assure the Deputy that we will continue to call for the abolition of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, in conjunction with our EU partners and at the UN.