HUMAN RIGHTS IN BANGLADESH

Early day motion 185, tabled 21 November 2006 by Lord Gove (Conservative). Signed by 34 members.

That this House declares its support for voices of peace and moderation in the Muslim world such as the Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, who stands trial for sedition, treason and blasphemy, a charge which carries the death sentence; commends Mr Choudhury for exposing the growing threat of extreme Islamism in Bangladesh; deplores the conduct of the judge in the trial, Mohammed Momin Ullah, who has said he is not interested in evidence and will not allow any defence witnesses into the court record; notes that the Public Prosecutor in Bangladesh has said that there is no evidence to support the charges; is encouraged that international pressure has persuaded the Bangladesh government to delay Mr Choudhury's next court date until 2007 and to restore the police protection at his house that had been recently removed; and urges the United Kingdom Government to press the government of Bangladesh to protect Mr Choudhury from all forms of harassment.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Conservative 11, Liberal Democrat 4, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3.