Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 September 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 September 2017. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 September 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Turkey: Press Freedom

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the effect of recent arrests of journalists in Turkey on the UK's relationship with that country; and whether they have made any representations to the government of Turkey on this matter.

Answer: We regularly raise concerns with the Turkish authorities about arrests, including of journalists, under the State of Emergency following last year's attempted coup. British diplomats engage in frequent dialogue with civil society and regularly attend trials, including those of journalists, together with other EU Member States and like-minded missions. We will continue to urge the Turkish authorities to uphold international standards with regard to the rule of law, including the presumption of innocence, and to protect fundamental rights including freedom of expression and assembly.

Secondary information