§ Mr. BentonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Egyptian authorities concerning the recent verdict in the El-Kosheh trial. [151019]
§ Mr., WilsonNone. Following the violence in Al-Kosheh, we encouraged the Egyptian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and to take appropriate action against anyone found to have committed a crime. The Egyptian Government quickly set up an investigation into the incident sending some 50 prosecutors to the area. They co-ordinated their efforts with leaders of both religious communities. The subsequent trial was conducted in a normal criminal court where due legal process was followed. It is important that we now concentrate on the promotion of inter-faith dialogue and an increase in tolerance.