Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Turkey following reports that Garo Paylan has been subjected to intimidation tactics including (1) threats to his safety, and (2) hate speech.

We have seen press reports that the People's Democratic Party (HDP) MP, Garo Paylan, has been targeted publicly by a Turkish research centre over his comments on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We have also noted reporting that the Turkish authorities may be preparing a case against him. We have made it clear previously to Turkey that we expect the government to undertake any legal processes against MPs, party officials, elected mayors, human rights defenders and journalists, fairly, transparently and with full respect for the rule of law. We will continue to engage closely with Turkey to encourage the full protection of fundamental rights of all people, particularly in the areas of freedom of expression and assembly, press freedom and the treatment of detainees.