§ Mr. FallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the detention of Mr. Craig Alden in Brazil. [151724]
§ Mr. MullinStaff at our Embassy in Brasilia closely monitor developments in Mr. Alden's case and provide him with all the consular assistance they properly can. We have raised our interest in his case with the Brazilian authorities on a number of occasions, including when my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the Brazilian Foreign Minister in July 2003. Consular staff at our Embassy also raise any welfare aspects of the case with the local authorities, most recently with the new Federal Director of Prisons in November 2003.
Under international law we cannot interfere in the judicial processes of another country. Mr Alden's lawyers continue to pursue his case through legal channels and keep our consular staff updated of developments. We understand his lawyers have decided to submit a second habeas corpus application. As the legal case proceeds we will continue to offer the appropriate consular assistance to Craig and his family.