HL Deb 26 June 1995 vol 565 c38WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they have had with the Government of Turkey concerning Turkish co-operation with the Committee set up under the Europe Convention for the Prevention of Torture, and concerning Article 8 of the Anti-Terror Law and persons imprisoned under the article.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We have consistently made clear to the Turkish Government that we expect them to co-operate fully with all human rights mechanisms established under international treaties and conventions to which they are parties. This includes the Independent Committee set up under the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, which last visited Turkey in October 1994.

We have also made clear to the Turkish Government on many occasions our concerns over Article 8 of the Anti-Terror Law. We believe that non-violent expression of opinion in Turkey should be protected, not punished. We look for early action from Turkey to carry out its intention to implement a package of reforms to improve democratic and human rights, including reform of Article 8 of the Anti-Terror Law.