Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 5

Written Answers. - Kenyan Trial.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

86 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns which have been expressed by Amnesty International and others in relation to the trial of a former MP and three others (details supplied) at Nakuru in Kenya; if his attention has been further drawn to allegations that the charges against these men have been fabricated because they are opponents of the existing Government in Kenya and that conviction on said charges involves mandatory death sentences; and the plans, if any, he has to express his concern to the Government of Kenya to ensure that international standards of fair trial as set out in the International Covenant on Civil Political Rights are applied in these cases.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I have been made aware of Amnesty International reports on these cases and I am concerned at the details contained in them. It is essential that the trial of the four accused, which began on 12 April, is conducted in a fair manner and in accordance with international standards.

As an indication of the concern felt by Ireland and the European Union on this matter EU Heads of Mission in Nairobi have reported in detail on these cases and are monitoring developments very carefully. The Kenyan Government are aware of the interest of the European Union in this case.