HL Deb 11 March 1998 vol 587 cc64-5WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the 13th session of trial of the policeman accused of murdering Mr. Metin Goktepe, Turkish journalist, due to be held on 22 January, was observed on their behalf (or by diplomats of the European Union); what is their opinion of the many adjournments and varying locations of this trial and of the independence or otherwise of the judges involved; and whether they have made or will make representations to the Government of Turkey on this matter. [HL816]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

An official from the British Embassy in Ankara attended the 13th session of the trial of those accused of the murder of Mr. Metin Goktepe. The German Embassy was also represented on that occasion. A British official will attend the next trial session on 12 March.

We are concerned that the trial has continued for 15 months and that it has been subject to numerous changes of location. We understand that these moves have been undertaken for security reasons. We have raised this issue with the Turkish authorities and will be making further representations before the next session of the trial.