Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Turkey following the recent arrests of Erol Önderoğlu, Ahmet Nesin, and Sebnem Korur Fincancɪ on terrorism charges; and whether they plan to respond to the Joint Oral Statement of 22 June by PEN International, Article 19, International Federation of Journalists, European Federation of Journalists and International Press Institute.

This question was answered on 5th July 2016
As a friend and ally we strongly encourage Turkey to continue work towards the full protection of all fundamental rights, including freedom of expression – and will continue to do so. The UK supported the EU statement at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Permanent Council on 23 June expressing concern over these arrests. We continue to monitor these cases closely.