HC Deb 02 July 1998 vol 315 c271W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Saudi Arabian Government about the arrests of the Filipinos Ariel Ordona, Ruben Aguire, Angelito Sizon and Juanito Manalili; if he will ask where they are being held and what charges are being brought against them; if he will seek assurances about their safety; and if he will make a statement. [48018]

Mr. Fatchett

[holding answer 1 July 1998]: We are in close touch with the Philippines embassy in Riyadh about these arrests, and have also discussed them with the Saudi Arabian government. We believe that Juanito Manalili has been released, but details of the whereabouts of the other detainees and what charges they face remain unclear. The Saudi authorities are aware of our views on the need for greater freedom of worship for non-Muslims in Saudi Arabia.