§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Government of Yemen in respect of the kidnapping of three BBC journalists; and what action he proposes to take to secure their release; [44995]
(2) what representations he has received on the kidnapping of three BBC journalists in Yemen; and if he will make a statement. [44994]
§ Mr. FatchettThere has been no kidnapping of BBC journalists in Yemen.
Three BBC journalists were detained by the Yemeni authorities on 26 May and released on bail on 28 May. They were subsequently charged with filming in an area without permission. The case was heard in Court on 6 and 7 June and the journalists were found not guilty. When delivering his verdict the Judge observed that Yemen 618W believed in the freedom of the press, and that the press was a necessity in this age. Her Majesty's Government greatly welcome this satisfactory outcome.
We understand that the journalists have now returned to the UK.