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Terrorism

Volume 709: debated on Tuesday 24 March 2009

Question

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made or intend to make representations to the Government of Pakistan concerning threats made to the defence lawyer representing Mr Hector Aleem, who is charged in the terrorist court with making blasphemous telephone calls. [HL2051]

We are aware of Mr Aleem's detention and are concerned about the reports of threats that his lawyer has received. Officials in our High Commission in Islamabad have established that Pakistan's Ministry for Human Rights is already engaged in Mr Aleem's case and will monitor developments in this case through the Government of Pakistan.

Through the EU and UN Human Rights Council we regularly raise with the Government of Pakistan the need to ensure protection for human rights defenders such as lawyers acting in blasphemy cases. Through programme and project work, we also support the work of human rights defenders and civil society, enhancing their capacity to act as advocates and support our human rights objectives.