HL Deb 19 November 1998 vol 594 cc213-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are discussing the following matters with the Government of Turkey:

  1. (a) police attacks in Istanbul on peaceful demonstrations by the "Saturday Mothers", and connected arrests;
  2. (b) recent prison sentences on persons for expressing their political opinions;
  3. (c) recent decisions of the European Court of Human Rights for example, that of Mr. Cengiz Ciraklar;
  4. (d) the internal exile lately imposed on five members of the Turkish Teachers Union (Egitim Sen). [HL3822]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The British Embassy in Ankara regularly discusses human rights issues, including the conviction of individuals for freedom of expression crimes, with the Turkish authorities. The Embassy will raise the case of the "Saturday Mothers" demonstrations with the Turkish authorities shortly. They are currently investigating reports that five members of the Teachers trade union have been internally exiled.