HC Deb 13 July 1998 vol 316 c32W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Morocco about the fines imposed on Graham Hutt, Serge Dechoz, Kelly Vinikka and Antero Ylikangas, their arrest and interrogation; what discussions he has had with that Government about religious freedom in Morocco; and if he will make a statement. [50166]

Mr. Fatchett

We have provided consular assistance to Dr. Hutt, but we have made no representations to the Moroccan authorities about his case, which is sub judice. He has appealed against his sentence and is free to leave Morocco pending the outcome. The others referred to are not British nationals. We do not have consular responsibility for them in Morocco.

Moroccan law allows personal freedom of religion, as provided for in the Constitution. The Christian church is active in Tangier, Casablanca and Rabat, which has its own Roman Catholic cathedral. As well as the Christian community, Morocco is home to a large Jewish community.

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