§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What report they have received from the observer sent by the British Embassy in Ankara to the trial of 98 writers and intellectuals which started in the Istanbul State Security Court on 31st May 1996, and whether they consider that this use of Article 162 of the Penal Code, which prohibits the re-publication of material which has previously been the subject of criminal proceedings under any of the provisions of Turkish law which restrict freedom of expression, is consistent with the undertaking given by the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Mesut Yilmaz, in his speech to the Turkish Grand National Assembly of 7th March 1996, that his government would "introduce extensive constitutional and legal amendments to further instil and expand freedom of speech, belief, religion, conscience and enterprise".
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyAn official of our Consulate-General in Istanbul attended the trial of 98 intellectuals on 31st May. She reported on their lawyers' statements and the adjournment decision. These people are charged under Article 8 of the Anti-Terror Law which continues to be used to restrict freedom of expression in Turkey. We will look to the Turkish Government to sustain commitment to improvements in Turkey's human rights performance.