Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 June 2014
25. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will intervene with the Pakistani authorities and condemn, in the highest possible way, the stoning to death of Farzana Parveen in Pakistan on 27 May. [24050/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI condemn the brutal killing of Farzana Parveen, in Pakistan on Tuesday 27 May, as I condemn all such so-called “honour killings”. My Department has consulted with the Pakistani authorities and based on these contacts, it appears that the authorities in Pakistan are taking measures to bring those responsible to justice. We understand two separate investigations have been launched into the circumstances of the violent death of Ms Farzana Parveen. The first was initiated at the behest of the Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. As part of this investigation, a number of suspects have already been arrested and charged including members of the victim’s family. Prosecution of the case will be conducted using anti-terrorism legislation, which is designed to facilitate a prompt trial. A second investigation was also launched on the initiative of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Lahore. He ordered the Attorney General to report to him within 48 hours about the facts and circumstances of the death of Ms Farzana Parveen. Ireland considers that it is of the utmost importance that all those implicated in this heinous crime are brought to justice. It is also important that Pakistan, as a State Party to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), takes appropriate action to prevent such killings in the future and end all forms of violence against women.
