Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 30 April 2012.

Turkey

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 23 April (WA 379-80), why they do not intend to make specific representations to the Government of Turkey about the arrests of Mr Ahmet Sik and Mr Nedim Sener.

Answer: We work with our European Union (EU), Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Council of Europe partners to improve human rights in Turkey. We will continue to raise our concerns, seeking to manage our input in the most effective way. We welcome the release of Ahmet Sik and Nedim Sener following 375 days on remand. Our embassy in Ankara regularly raises issues relating to excessive pre-trial detention, in the context of wider discussions on human rights with its Turkish counterparts and we work closely with other EU member states in addressing human rights issues in Turkey. We will continue to monitor these very high profile cases closely.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16842; 736 c431-2WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Turkey
Monday, 23 April 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Arrests Human rights Journalism Turkey Sik, Ahmet Sener, Nedim
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk