Turkey

Question

Asked by

Lord Hylton
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have assessed the sentences sought by the Turkish public prosecutor for two former leaders of the Democratic Society Party; and what assessment they have made of the compatibility of their  prosecution with freedom of expression as defined in international covenants ratified by Turkey. [HL3046]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead)
We are aware of the cases against Ahmet Turk and Aysel Tugluk. It is not our practice to comment on ongoing legal cases or the sentences sought by prosecutors of foreign countries as part of the judicial process. It is for the Turkish courts to assess the evidence against the individuals and determine the sentences in accordance with applicable law in Turkey. We expect Turkey to act in a manner consistent with all its international obligations and will continue to follow developments closely.