Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2015
495. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he condemns the Israeli raid on the Aida refugee camp outside Bethlehem and the perceived total overreaction of Israeli forces to stone throwing; if he accepts this reaction by Israeli forces will further deter moderate Palestinians from peaceful dialogue; and if he will condemn this action. [45190/15]
View answer496. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he condemns the treatment of the Palestinian poet Mr. Ashraf Fayadh at the hands of the Saudi Arabian Government on the charge of abandoning his Muslim faith, a crime which warrants a death penalty in Saudi Arabia; and if he will make representations to the Saudi Arabian authorities on this issue. [45192/15]
View answer504. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the relevant authorities over the raid on Aida refugee camp outside Bethlehem and the plight of a Palestinian poet (details supplied) facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. [45462/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 495, 496 and 504 together.
Since the beginning of the current disturbances in the occupied Palestinian territory, I have stressed that any necessary security response by Israeli authorities needed to be both restrained and proportionate. It is essential to reduce tensions, and not to increase the cycle of violence. Other international voices have repeated this call.
Some recent incidents, including the events in Aida camp have contributed to worsening the situation.
We have raised these concerns, in public, at EU discussions and directly with the Israeli authorities, including recent high level diplomatic contacts in both Dublin and Israel. We shall continue to do so.
In relation to Saudi Arabia, I am aware of the case of Ashraf Fayadh. This is a cause for concern both because Mr. Fayadh has been accused of something that is widely regarded as the simple exercise of his right to freedom of expression and freedom of religion, but also because of the death sentence imposed on him.
Ireland strongly condemns the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, and works for its suspension and abolition around the world. We have expressed concern about its increased use of late in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia. Its abolition is one of Ireland’s priorities at the United Nations, including while a member of the Human Rights Council. For example, Ireland made a statement at the Council on 21 September 2015 voicing deep concern in relation to another Saudi Arabian death penalty case.
These and other human rights issues are raised with the Saudi authorities usually in conjunction with our EU partners. Presenting issues in a unified manner ensures greater impact. High Representative Mogherini stated in July that the EU will continue to closely follow the issue of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia in general, and to voice its concern through appropriate diplomatic channels.
My Department will also continue to monitor both the specific case of Mr. Fayadh and the general issue of death sentences in Saudi Arabia.
