HC Deb 31 October 2002 vol 391 cc932-3W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Turkish Cypriots concerning(a) the imprisonment of journalist Shener Levent and Lavant of "Afrika" newspaper, (b) the outstanding charges against Shener Levent in the military court, (c) the outstanding charges against Ozker Ozkur and Izzet Izcan, political party leaders, in the military court and (d) the use of military court against opponents of the Denktash regime and if he will make a statement.[R] [77925]

Mr. MacShane

I am disappointed that Shener Levent is again being tried in court for publishing articles critical of the Turkish Cypriot authorities. I condemn all attacks on press freedom, and call upon the Turkish Cypriot authorities to ensure full respect for the right to freedom of expression of Shener Levent and all Turkish Cypriots. I made a statement on 4 September and the British Government made official representations when Shener Levent and Memduh Ener were imprisoned in August. We will continue to follow this case, and all cases before the military court, closely.

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