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Tuesday, 13 June 2006
Page: 221


Mr Bowen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing , on 10 May 2006:

(1)   Is he aware of the case of Yacoub Hanna Shamoun, who has been imprisoned in Syria for 21 years for failure to comply with Syrian national service requirements, with no formal charge having been laid, and no access to legal representation.

(2)   Has he made representations to the Syrian Government seeking the release of Mr Shamoun; if not, will he consider doing so.


Mr Downer (Minister for Foreign Affairs) —The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

(1)   Yes.

(2)   Our Embassy in Cairo (accredited to Syria) is currently investigating further the case of Mr Shamoun with a view to determining whether representations are appropriate.