§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on allegations that the Government of the Maldives imprisoned seven Christians because of their beliefs. [70213]
§ Mr. FatchettWe attach importance to the right to freedom of religion and expression. We were therefore concerned to learn about the deportation from the Maldives in July 1998 of nineteen foreign nationals for alleged proselytising activity and the detention of several Maldivian citizens who had apparently converted to Christianity. We understand that all those detained have now been released. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.