§ MR. W. J. CORBETasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If his attention has been called to a case reported in The Globe newspaper of the 5th May, under the head of "Women flogging in Morocco," in which it is stated that a girl of good character, named Esther Amar, was cruelly flogged in the presence, and by the command, of a person named Amiel, who was then employed as interpreter to the British Consular Agent at Casablanca; whether the matter was officially reported, by the American Consul, to the English Minister at Tangier; 11 and, whether he can state if any and what steps have been taken to compensate the poor girl for her sufferings, and to punish Amiel for his barbarity?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe case referred to occurred more than a year ago, and was the subject of a Question put in this House on the 15th of March, 1883, to which a reply was made at the time. The facts are that eight women, said to be of bad character, had been flogged by the Moorish authorities, on a complaint of the interpreter Amiel, who was present when the punishment was inflicted. He was in consequence summarily dismissed from his post. The case led to representations to the Moorish Government, and orders were given to the local authorities which, it is hoped, will prevent a recurrence of a similar outrage. I am not aware whether any compensation has been paid, but inquiry will be made.