§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the Government of Turkey about the confirmation by the General Penal Board of the Turkish Supreme Court of the prison sentence passed on 12 March 1997 on Muzaffer Ilhan Erdost on charges of "disseminating separatist propaganda which questions the indivisible integrity of the Turkish state". [HL2656]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe have repeatedly made clear to the Turkish Government our condemnation of the prosecution of individuals for the non-violent expression of their views.
We understand that the Turkish Court of Appeals confirmed the 12-month prison sentence imposed on Mr. Erdost at its hearing on 21 April 1999. We have made no representations to the Turkish Government on this issue to date but will do so when a suitable opportunity arises.