Mr. Abdullah Ocalan

HL Deb 17 May 1999 vol 601 cc10-1WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their latest information on the conditions of confinement and state of health of Mr. Abdullah Ocalan in Turkey; when they expect that his trial will start; and what they consider should be done, and by whom, to make possible a fair trial. [HL2280]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We are aware of reports that Abdullah Ocalan is being kept in solitary confinement in prison. We understand that his lawyers have said that he is in good physical health but that he had lost weight. We will study the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture's report of their visit of 2 March when available.

On 30 April the Turkish authorities announced that trial proceedings are due to start on 31 May.

We have noted the assurances of the Turkish Prime Minister that Mr. Ocalan will receive a fair trial. We are concerned at the reports that Mr. Ocalan's lawyers were attacked on 30 April, and have raised these with the Turkish authorities in London and Ankara. We have asked that members of the Embassy attend the proceedings and are awaiting a response from the relevant authorities.