WRITTEN QUESTION E-2392/03 by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission. Stoning of Semsiye Allak in the village of Yalim, Turkey.
Date: 2003-07-21
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Türkiye, accession criteria, crime against individuals, gender equality, human rights, national law, position of women, sexual discrimination, the EU's international role

C 88 E/84

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

8.4.2004

In relation to the Greek-Turkish relations in general, the Commission refers to the principle of peaceful
settlement of border disputes as set out in the Helsinki European Council Conclusions in December 1999.

Under the revised Accession Partnership with Turkey adopted on 19 May 2003, there is a priority for
Turkey ‘in the context of the political dialogue to make every effort to resolve any outstanding border
disputes and other related issues, as referred to in point 4 of the Helsinki conclusions’.

(2004/C 88 E/0091)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2392/03

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: Stoning of Semsiye Allak in the village of Yalim, Turkey

According to numerous reports in the international press, 35-year old Semsiye Allak was stoned in the
Kurdish village of Yalim in Turkey by her family when she became pregnant after being raped by a
married man. The woman died seven months after the stoning, alone and abandoned in hospital, while the
man was killed on the spot by her relatives who took the law into their own hands.

This appalling deed is a further example of the tragic consequences of gender discrimination which derive
from religious fanaticism and intolerance. The systematic violation of women’s human rights through the
imposition of violent and degrading punishments which often result in death calls for an immediate
practical response. In present-day Turkey, which is on the way to negotiating its accession to the EU,
political measures should be taken to eliminate crimes of ‘honour’.

Will the Commission exert pressure on the Turkish Government to adopt stringent legislation against
crimes of honour and taking the law into one’s own hands, and to bring those responsible to justice? Will
the Commission also intervene to protect women’s human rights and bring an end to the degrading
treatment of women and the perpetuation of violence and discrimination against them?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2003)

The Commission is aware of
Honourable Member.

international press reports concerning the events mentioned by the

As a Candidate Country, Turkey has undertaken to comply with the Copenhagen political criteria. These
criteria include the principle of gender equality as well as economic, social and cultural rights. This has
been made further clear as a priority under the revised Accession Partnership for Turkey to guarantee ‘in
law and in practice the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all
individuals
without discrimination and irrespective of language, race, colour, sex, political opinion, religion or belief in
line with relevant international and European instruments’.

Already in its Regular Report published in 2002 (1), the Commission drew attention to the issue of honour
killings and mentioned explicitly that in Turkey ‘honour killings qualify for reduced sentences, which may
be further reduced if the accused is a minor’.

8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 88 E/85

In the sixth package of political reforms adopted by the Turkish Parliament on 19 June 2003, some
measures have been taken to address the question of ‘honour killings’. In particular, Article 453 of the
penal code has been amended to increase the penalty for the killing of out-of-wedlock babies from four to
eight years to six to ten years. Article 462, which foresaw a reduction of sentence in the case of honour
killings, has been abrogated.

The Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely and in particular the implementation of
these new provisions.

(1) COM(2002) 700 final.

(2004/C 88 E/0092)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2402/03

by Mario Borghezio (NI) to the Commission

(21 July 2003)

Subject: Turkey: book-burning and State jobs for 15 000 imams

Western books considered ideologically incorrect according to Islam were recently burnt publicly on the
orders of the judiciary in Turkey. It has also recently been reported that the Turkish government has
decided to employ 15 000 imams at public expense to promote the Muslim faith further.

Does the Commission consider that these events constitute steps along the road to the ‘new’ Turkey’s
accession to the EU and adoption of its values?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(8 September 2003)

The Commission is not aware of the issue mentioned by the Honourable Member about judgements
concerning the public burning of books.

As regards the appointment of additional imams, the Commission is aware of a proposal of the Bureau of
Religious Affairs (Diyanet)
intended to fill vacancies existing in Turkey for Moslem cleric personnel.
According to our information this proposal has not been adopted by the Government.

As a Candidate Country, Turkey has undertaken to comply with the Copenhagen political criteria. These
criteria imply freedom of religion for all religious groups. The Commission makes a detailed assessment of
the situation in the area of freedom of religion in its Regular Report published annually, and will continue
to monitor developments.

(2004/C 88 E/0093)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2442/03

by Jürgen Zimmerling (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 July 2003)

Subject: Help for Madagascar

As part of the process of adjusting to NATO standards, the national armies of the accession countries are
having to renew old equipment and items such as tents and field kitchens.

The old equipment is still worth quite a lot and is in good condition, so could be used in the Third World,
since it is very suitable for non-military use.