Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 23 April 2012.

Turkey

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 19 March (WA 149), whether they now intend to make representations to Turkey about the arrests of Mr Ahmet Sik and Mr Nedim Sener.

Answer: We do not intend to make specific representations to the Government of Turkey about the arrests of Mr Ahmet Sik and Mr Nedim Sener. We welcome the recent release of four high-profile prisoners, including Ahmet Sik and Nedim Sener, following 375 days on remand for charges of belonging to the Ergenekon organisation. We continue to share the concerns expressed by the Council of Europe, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the European Commission over issues surrounding freedom of expression in Turkey, including the culture of excessive pre-trial detention. We welcome the recent announcement of judicial reforms addressing some of the problems. We urge Turkey to continue to tackle these urgent issues.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16753; 736 c379-80WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Turkey
Monday, 19 March 2012
Written questions
House of Lords; Turkey
Monday, 30 April 2012
Written questions
House of Lords; Turkey
Monday, 30 April 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Arrests Journalism Press freedom Turkey Sik, Ahmet Sener, Nedim
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk