Hansard

Algeria: Human Rights

Volume 698: debated on Monday 28 January 2008

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Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the United Kingdom embassy in Algiers will send an observer to the trial on 20 January of the human rights lawyer Amine Sidhoum. [HL1482]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(Lord Malloch-Brown)

Our embassy in Algiers has been in direct contact with Mr Sidhoum and is monitoring his case. He has been charged with contempt of court in relation to an article that he wrote in 2004.

We did not, on this occasion, send an observer to the hearing. However, I understand that the case has been adjourned until 30 March and that Mr Sidhoum has not been detained. We will continue to monitor this case.