§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the report by the Foreign Relations and Defence Policy Committee of the European Parliament on 17 September and to the European Parliament's Resolution of 8 October concerning the imprisonment of parliamentarians and political parties in Turkey. [HL288]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe broadly support the recommendations of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and Defence Policy's report, adopted on 17 September, on the Commission reports on developments in relations with Turkey since the entry into force of Customs Union.
We share a number of the concerns expressed in the European Parliament's resolution of 8 October about the release of Ms Leyla Zana. We have repeatedly stressed to the Turkish authorities that the prosecution of democratically elected politicians for the non-violent expression of their views is at odds with Turkey's internal human rights obligations and damages Turkey's international standing.
We have repeatedly condemned Turkey's continuing poor human rights record, and we continue to urge the Turkish government to seek a non-military solution to the conflict in south eastern Turkey.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they know how many of the 3,215 persons detained by the Government of Turkey between 15 November and 2 December are still being held; how many of them have been charged with offences; 2WA and whether documents and equipment seized from the HADEP (People's Democracy) Party have been returned. [HL360]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanAccording to HADEP, 200 of its supporters who were detained during the period in question still remain in custody. Of these 200 supporters, 105 have so far been charged with various offences. In addition, a further 506 HADEP supporters were taken into custody between 6 and 8 December, of whom 47 still remain in custody.