HL Deb 13 May 2002 vol 635 cc12-3WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that any of the following events demonstrate denials of freedom of conscience and religious liberty by the Russian Federation:

  1. (a) the refusal of entry to Russia for Bishop J Mazur on 19 April;
  2. (b) the picketing of the Bishop's cathedral in Siberia, during a religious service on 21 April;
  3. (c) the removal of a current Russian visa from the passport of the Reverend S Caprio at Moscow airport, on or before 11 April; and
  4. (d) difficulties and delays imposed on 3 April on the building of a Roman Catholic church in the city of Pskov;
and whether they will raise these matters with the Russian Government, directly and multilaterally, in the context of the European Convention on Human Rights. [HL3937]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of religious freedom and we condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief. Her Majesty's Government are aware of these events and are watching developments closely. The European Union has collectively called on the Russian Federation authorities to clarify the cases of Bishop Jerzy Mazur and Father Stefano Caprio. We continue to be concerned at the difficulties faced by some religious organisations in Russia. We have regularly raised our concerns with the Russian authorities and will continue to do so.

Forward to