Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 32: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that the arrest and detention on 7 June 2011 of a person (details supplied) for tweeting messages which were considered insulting to the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian ruling families, was unlawful and in breach of Kuwait's international obligation to uphold freedom of expression as guaranteed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Kuwait is a state party; and, if so, the steps he will take to ensure the person is protected from torture and other ill-treatment and provided access to their family, a lawyer of their choice and adequate medical care. [20087/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and should be respected by all governments. As the change sweeping across North Africa and the Middle East has shown, attempts to suppress this right can only damage the legitimacy of those who do so and are ultimately unlikely to be unsuccessful. In relation to the particular case cited by the Deputy, I am aware that Mr. Nasser Abul has been arrested for posting criticisms of the Bahraini and Saudi royal families and is likely to face trial in Kuwait in the coming weeks. I am also aware of reports that Mr. Abul claims to have been seriously assaulted while in custody.

As in the case of any person potentially facing serious charges, it is vital that all efforts are made by the Kuwaiti authorities to respect due process and to ensure the right to a fair trial and access to legal representation. Together with our EU Partners, Ireland will continue to monitor developments in this case, from the point of view of ensuring that Kuwait fulfils all its international obligations in the human rights area.