Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to his Nigerian counterpart for the release of Mubarak Bala.

Dialogue on human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief, is a vital part of the UK's partnership with Nigeria. The UK Government will proactively raise cases where blasphemy legislation has been used to restrict human rights with the Nigerian authorities, and calls for Mr Bala's immediate release. The right of individuals to express opinions, including expressing their non-belief, is essential to a free and open society.