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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 1

Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

169 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attentions has been drawn to the case of the Salonika seven; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28876/03]

I am aware of the case raised by the Deputy. The Irish Embassy in Greece has been monitoring this matter. The group of seven, made up of a Briton, a Syrian, two Spaniards and three Greeks, was arrested during the protests surrounding the European Council in Thessaloniki in June. In accordance with Greek national procedures, its members were held while awaiting trial. In late September, one of the seven began a hunger strike and was followed in this course by some of the other detainees. There have been a series of protests in connection with this in Greece, seeking to bring their situation to the attention of the authorities there. Last week the Greek courts took the decision to release the men on bail pending a trial date. The Greek Government has expressed its satisfaction with this action.

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