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<p>The British Government remains concerned by the ongoing trial of the Büyükada group
of human rights defenders (HRDs) in Turkey. We have been closely following the case
since it first came to court in 2017. We note the next hearing is on 19 February.
As a modern democracy we expect Turkey to undertake any legal processes fairly, transparently
and with full respect for the rule of law and we consistently reiterate this message
to our Turkish counterparts at all levels.</p><p>We have long encouraged Turkey to
work towards the full protection of fundamental rights, particularly in the area of
freedom of expression. On 28 January at the 35th Universal Periodic Review on Human
Rights, one of the recommendations that the United Kingdom put forward for Turkey
is protecting freedom of expression, including for journalists and human rights defenders,
by decriminalising defamation. We will continue to engage the Turkish Government on
these issues and be clear in our expectation that Turkey live up to its human rights
obligations, which is essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.</p>
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