Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the legal rights of those who have been arrested in Tunisia are respected.

The UK closely monitors the political and judicial situation in Tunisia. We regularly raise respect for human rights and due legal process with the Tunisian Government, including at the highest levels. Minister of State for North Africa, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, publicly commented on the recent arrests on 16 February. He also raised the UK's concerns directly with Tunisian Chargé d'Affaires on 23 February, underlining the importance of due legal process and respect for freedom of expression and association. We will continue engage the Tunisian authorities on these issues.