Sir, - Engin Asula's statements about lawyers somehow being akin to terrorists (March 16th) is most unfortunate given its publication the day after the assassination of Rosemary Nelson. The issue is effectively identical - the right of everyone to fair procedures in all cases.
It is an undeniable fact that members of parliament in Turkey have been imprisoned merely for their opinions. What hope is there of a fair trial for the leader of an organisation that has used violence against this state when it will not respect the basics of parliamentary democracy?
International observers at trials are common. Indeed the Irish government has sent them to various trials in the UK, notably the re-hearings of the Birmingham Six cases. Such a system furthers democracy and international co-operation and, I would contend, is a basic requirement for admittance to the EU and continued membership of the Council of Europe. The question for Ms Asula is whether Turkey is genuinely interested in either. - Yours, etc., Michael McLoughlin,
The Maltings, Island Street, Dublin 8.