Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2005
90 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made contact with the Zimbabwean Government regarding the detention of Mr. Roy Bennett MP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13508/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been active in making known to the Zimbabwean authorities its serious concerns regarding the imprisonment and treatment of the former MDC, Movement for Democratic Change, member of the Zimbabwean Parliament, Mr. Roy Bennett. The Irish ambassador to South Africa, who is also accredited to Zimbabwe, conveyed the Government's very serious concerns at a meeting with the acting director general of the Zimbabwean foreign ministry in Harare on 8 March. The ambassador has also raised Mr. Bennett's case with a wide range of contacts during his regular visits to Zimbabwe, including the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and respected figures such as Archbishop Pius Ncube. Ireland has also taken the lead in raising the case at EU level and ensuring that EU ambassadors in Harare remain active on this matter.
The Government has also raised Mr. Bennett's case with influential members of SADC, Southern African Development Community, to which Zimbabwe belongs. Concerns over the treatment of Mr. Bennett were raised by the Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Tom Kitt, when he met with political leaders in South Africa during his visit to that country last month.
The Government made time available last month for a debate in Dáil Éireann on Mr. Bennett's case as well as the general political situation in Zimbabwe. A motion expressing concern at the treatment afforded to Mr. Bennett and at his politically motivated sentencing was adopted unanimously by the Dáil on 24 March 2005. My Department arranged for a copy of the motion to be forwarded to the speaker of the Zimbabwean Parliament, via the Irish embassy in Pretoria.
Although initially cleared by the new Zimbabwean electoral court to stand in last month's parliamentary election, Mr. Bennett was subsequently prevented from doing so, following a decision by the Zimbabwean Government to appeal the electoral court ruling. In his absence, Mr. Bennett's wife, Heather, contested his seat but was defeated by the ZANU-PF candidate.
Mr. Bennett continues to be held in prison, with no indication as to whether he might be released before his 12 month sentence is completed next October. I understand that legal appeals against his original sentencing are continuing. The Irish embassy in South Africa continues to follow Mr. Bennett's situation closely and will continue to make representations on his behalf. We will also continue to raise the issue at EU level and urge EU ambassadors in Harare to remain active.
