§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What information they have about the recent abduction of Mr. Abdullah Ocalan from Kenya to 8WA Turkey; whether they consider that this constituted a breach of international law or civilised behaviour; and whether they will ask the Government of Turkey what are the reasons for their reported refusal to admit foreign observers to the proposed trial of Mr. Ocalan. [HL1182]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe circumstances of Mr. Ocalan's apprehension in Kenya remain unclear. We are aware that the European Court of Human Rights has asked the Turkish Government for urgent clarification of the circumstances of Mr. Ocalan's arrest and detention.
However, we have urged the Turkish authorities to make provision for attendance at the trial of Mr. Ocalan by international representatives, in line with their normal practice. The Turkish Government have made clear that no provision exists in Turkey for formal observer status within its courts.