Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Monday, 12 April 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 April 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 26 April 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Turkey about the reported arrest and mistreatment of Dr Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu.

Answer: We are aware of reports of the arrest of Mr Gergerlioğlu, MP for the People's Democratic Party (HDP). We have made it clear to Turkey that we expect the government to undertake any legal processes or actions against opposition parties, MPs, party officials and elected mayors, as well as human rights defenders and journalists, fairly, transparently and with full respect for the rule of law. Our Embassy meets regularly with the HDP leadership, as it does with other opposition parties, to discuss their concerns, including the arrest of HDP MPs. We will continue to engage closely with Turkey to encourage the full protection of fundamental rights of all peoples, regardless of their legitimate political affiliations, particularly in the areas of freedom of expression and assembly, press freedom and the treatment of detainees. We expect Turkey to treat detainees in accordance with International standards, including access to lawyers and medical care.

Secondary information