Equatorial Guinea: Prisoners

Dr. Cable
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of the imprisonment and treatment of Simon Mann; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn
Simon Mann is currently detained in Black Beach prison in Equatorial Guinea. Our deputy high commission in Lagos provides consular assistance to British nationals in Equatorial Guinea. Our consul in Lagos travelled to Malabo and visited Mr. Mann in prison on 12 February 2008 when his welfare was discussed. We have made clear to the Equatorial Guinean authorities that we expect Mr. Mann to be treated in line with international standards.

We have received assurances from the Equatorial Guinean authorities that Mr. Mann will be treated well while in detention.

Dr. Cable
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings officials in his Department have held on the case of Simon Mann; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is aware of Mr. Mann’s case and providing consular assistance to him. Officials have met with representatives from the Equatorial Guinean authorities in London and Malabo to discuss the case.