§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What response they have received from the Government of Turkey to recent inquiries concerning multiple-allegations that women in official custody or under interrogation have suffered rape and other forms of torture. [HL1427]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe are concerned about the recent case of 19 people who have made allegations about rape and torture in police custody in Turkey. Our embassy in Ankara raised this case most recently on 23 March with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have not yet received a substantive response from the Turkish Government. Our consulate-general in Istanbul attended the first hearing on 21 March. We will continue to monitor this case closely.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are discussing with the Government of Turkey the closures of newspapers and the tines imposed on media owners and editors, especially where the state security court is involved; and whether these matters are being examined in connection with Turkey's application for membership of the European Union. [HL1428]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe monitor closely the human rights situation in Turkey, including restrictions on freedom of expression. We have on a number of occasions raised concerns with the Turkish authorities. The European Commission also regularly publishes reports reviewing Turkey's progress towards meeting the criteria for EU membership (agreed at the 1993 Copenhagen European Council). The most recent report (November 2000) is available in the Library.
The Turkish Government stated in their recently published national programme that they will review their legislation governing freedom of expression.