HL Deb 02 May 1996 vol 571 c156WA
Lord Rea

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information they have on the wellbeing of Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, the Commonwealth Medical Association's representative on the Commission of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, and President-elect of the Nigerian Medical Association, who was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment by the Nigerian military tribunal in 1995 and whether they have made representations for his release from prison.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)

We are aware of reports that Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti's health is deteriorating in Katsina Prison. Our High Commission in Lagos is in regular contact with members of the Ransome-Kuti family and the Nigerian Medical Association. We have raised our concerns about Dr. Ransome-Kuti, and other human rights activists in detention, with the Nigerian authorities and continue to press for their release.