Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 November 2010.

Turkey

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in light of the number of Turkish journalists currently awaiting trial or serving sentences, when they last raised issues of press freedom with the Government of Turkey.

Answer: Our embassy in Ankara periodically raises issues relating to freedom of expression—including the imprisonment of journalists—in the context of wider discussions on human rights with its Turkish counterparts. This was done most recently at the beginning of August. Freedom of expression, and of the media, remain key areas for reform in Turkey in the context of its EU accession process. The EU Progress Report for 2010 addresses this issue, and makes clear that while there have been some positive developments, there are concerns over the high number of legal cases brought against journalists. More work is needed before Turkey fulfils the EU criteria on respect for freedom of expression and the media.

Secondary information