§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have discussed, with the Government of Turkey: (a) the delays in bringing to trial the murderers of Mr. Metin Goktepe; (b) the holding of hearings in the town of Afyon, eight hours' travel from Istanbul, where the murder occurred; (c) possible procedural defects in the hearings to date; (d) the allegation that defendant police officers themselves made statements following torture; and (e) allegations by prosecution witnesses that they were beaten while in custody.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyOur Embassy in Ankara have raised a number of aspects about the trial in relation to Metin Goktepe's death with the Turkish authorities. These include the delays, the location of the trial, reports that the defendant police officers made statements after being tortured, and the procedures of the State Security Court system.
109WA
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they sent an observer to the latest session of the trial of 48 police officers charged with the murder of Mr. Metin Goktepe, journalist, held on 6 February 1997 at Afyon, Turkey; and whether they will send an observer to the next session on 11 April at Afyon.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyNo British official was able to attend the Goktepe trial on 6 February. But we continue to follow this case closely, and we hope to be able to send an observer to attend the next session of the trial on 11 April.