Mr Swire said:

I was appalled to learn of the violent murder in Bangladesh of blogger Niloy Neel, the fourth such death this year. It was a horrifying and cowardly crime. My thoughts are with Niloy’s family and friends.

I call on the Bangladeshi authorities to investigate his death urgently, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The freedom of speech is a universal right which must be protected. The UK stands together with the people and government of Bangladesh in the face of extremism.

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