HC Deb 12 April 2000 vol 348 cc180-1W
Mr. Jim Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Burmese Government concerning the sentence imposed on Mr. James Mawdsley in Burma and his treatment in prison. [118658]

Mr. Hain

Our Ambassador in Rangoon regularly raises James's case with the Burmese authorities, including the Foreign Minister, Minister of Home Affairs and the Deputy Foreign Minister. The Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, also summoned the Burmese Ambassador in September last year to express our concerns about the case. Our Embassy have sent 43 official notes and one official letter to date.

In particular, we have protested about:

  • the failure of the Burmese authorities to inform us of his arrest;
  • the delay over consular access;
  • the denial of legal representation;
  • the length of the sentence;
  • mistreatment in prison;
  • lack of access to reading and writing material;
  • length of recreation time;
  • delay in getting the trial transcript;
  • delays in receiving food parcels, letters and books.

We will continue to do everything we can to help James and remain in frequent contact with his family.

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