asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, his Department has made in raising with the Chilean Government the arrest and detention of persons (details supplied) one of whom is a former resident of Ireland; and about whom concern has been addressed to his Department.
Written Answers. - Arrest and Detentions in Chile.
56.
As soon as we became aware of the reports of the mistreatment of the person mentioned in the Deputy's question who had been resident in Ireland we expressed our concern to the Chilean authorities and asked for details of the charges against him. We have been informed that he is still in custody in hospital, although he is allowed to receive visitors such as representatives of the Red Cross and his lawyer. I am not aware of any evidence of mistreatment or torture. The person concerned is charged with the illegal possession of explosives.
We and our partners in the Twelve are very concerned about the manner in which the second person named by the Deputy is being treated. This concern has been firmly expressed to the Chilean authorities on several occasions, and as recently as last week.
We will continue to monitor both cases closely.