HC Deb 30 January 1958 vol 581 cc485-6
11 and 12. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many Sudanese living in Uganda have been arrested between 1st November, 1957, and 31st December, 1957; how many have been convicted and how many released; how many were still under arrest awaiting trial on 1st January, 1958; and what charges have been brought against them;

(2) whether Lacaha Lomiang and John Itilai are still under arrest in Uganda; and on what charges they are being held.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No Sudanese living in Uganda were arrested in November or December, 1957, none was convicted and none released. On 1st January, 1958, three Sudanese were under arrest, all charged with murder and attempted murder. One, John Lobur Lopiti—possibly the same man as John Itilai, who is not known—was released on 6th January. Two Sudanese, one being Lachaka Lomiang, remain in custody pending the decisions of the courts on applications for their extradition to the Sudan. An application on behalf of Lachaka for a writ of habeas corpus is sub judice.

Mr. Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a certain degree of disquiet at the fact that Sudanese are held under arrest in Uganda for political crimes which they may have committed in southern Sudan during the unrest there a year ago? Can he assure me that, as his Answer seems to indicate, this is not the case?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am also concerned about the delay in settling this matter, due to the difficulty of obtaining the necessary documents and evidence from the Sudan, but we are anxious to behave as good neighbours to the Sudan.

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