HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 c359W
Ms Moran

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he will take to ensure allegations of torture of British prisoners held in the Yemen are investigated. [69382]

Mr. Fatchett

[holding answer 8 February 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's answer on 18 January 1999, Official Report, column 344, to the question by the hon. Member for Birmingham, Sparkbrook and Small Heath (Mr. Godsiff). My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary put out serious concerns about the torture allegations to Prime Minister Iryani. Prime Minister Iryani gave his assurance that the allegations would be investigated and, if found to be true, those responsible would be prosecuted.

We have pressed hard at all levels for an immediate medical examination in respect of these allegations. We are extremely disappointed that this has not happened. The detainees' defence lawyers have told us that they judge it would no longer serve the interests of the detainees for a medical examination of their torture allegations to be conducted at this late stage. They are pursuing this issue in court.

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