Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
250. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that are being taken by Ireland at the United Nations and European Union to raise the case of a person (details supplied) who is being held in solitary confinement in a prison in Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25758/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the case of Mr. Isbilen, one of a number of Turkish politicians detained under emergency measures in Turkey since 2015. Mr. Isbilen was arrested in December 2016 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 for alleged involvement in the 2016 coup attempt against the government of President Erdogan.
Mr. Isbilen is one of many thousands of Turkish citizens who have been imprisoned for alleged involvement in the 2016 coup attempt. His case underlines the strong concerns which Ireland and our EU Partners have regarding the overall human rights situation within Turkey. Both nationally and together with our EU Partners, Ireland has been clear in its messaging that Turkey must address its internal human rights situation as a priority and comply with all its international obligations as regards safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, Ireland and the EU have regularly called on Turkey to accept and implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.
The European Council has made clear its wish to develop a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey. It has reiterated the EU’s readiness to engage with Turkey in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner to enhance cooperation in a number of areas of common interest. While Ireland supports this position, and agrees with the incremental approach set out by the European Council last year, we have also been clear that such steps can only be taken if Turkey adopts a more constructive attitude to doing so. Addressing EU concerns relating to human rights, particularly those relating to rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, will be an important part of this.
