Human Rights Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2012

Thursday, 24 May 2012

Ceisteanna (71)

Joanna Tuffy

Ceist:

68 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update in respect of the case of Mrs. Asia Bibi who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy and is in prison awaiting appeal of her case to a superior court in Pakistan; if there has been any follow up by his Department in respect of conveying through diplomatic channels the sentiments expressed on behalf of the Tánaiste and by the Deputies during the debate in Dáil Éireann of 7 March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26024/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore)

As stated in my reply on 3 May, the government remains concerned about the case of Mrs Asia Bibi. Since Mrs Bibi was found guilty of blasphemy and sentenced to death in November 2010, a number of representations have been made to the Pakistan government on this issue, both bilaterally and within the respective frameworks of the European Union and the United Nations. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been in direct contact with the Pakistan Embassy in Dublin and have requested an update on developments in Mrs Bibi's case. We will continue to raise the case of Asia Bibi with the Pakistan government as and when opportunities arise.