TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 217

TURKEY

CONFIDENTIAL

Report by HM Embassy, Ankara

Right No.

(i)

(ii)

So far as we are aware there is no imprisonment without trial.

There were allegations supported by Amnesty International that torture was used on prisoners during the martial law period of 1972. The se were officially denied but probably were at least partly true. However, since that period there has been no evidence that torture is used system- atically by the security forces here. Some brutality is undoubtedly experienced in police custody.

Rating suggested by Post

о

2

(iii)

There is no slavery in Turkey.

Cases

2

of servitude may be said not infrequently to exist in areas of rural Turkey in the relationship of a wife to her husband.

(iv)

1

(v)

There are very few restrictions on freedom of speech for the individua) and the press appears to be completely free. Recently however there have been allegations in Parliament that the television and radio (whose director is appointed by the Government) produce broadcasts which are slanted in favour of the present administration.

Comment by Southern European Dept

It should be noted that the Communist Party is proscribed in Turkey.

The Judiciary are free (if prone to corruption) though on subjects closely involving the Government their judgement is certainly liable to prejudice. In some cases this may be against the Government (certain internal political matters) and in some cases in the Government's favour (mainly cases where foreigners are concerned).

CONFIDENTIAL

1

/(vi)

There