1. The Committee of Ministers notes that
the question raised by the Honourable Parliamentarian is a matter of
legal assistance in criminal matters. The Netherlands and Turkey
have already had several (high-level) talks about the case of Mr
Saban Baran and are determined to use all available legal remedies.
Co-operation between the two countries concerned is to mutual satisfaction
and it is not felt that steps need to be taken to improve this co-operation.
2. The two delegations have informed the Committee of Ministers
of this positive co-operation. The Netherlands and Turkey have already
agreed that, subject to Mr Saban Baran’s conviction by the Dutch
courts becoming final, he could serve his sentence in Turkey.
3. The Turkish Delegation has informed the Committee of Ministers
that the decision to release Mr Saban Baran on bail concerns a case
where he was tried on the grounds of a crime that has no connection
to the crimes he had committed in the Netherlands. Mr Baran is currently
under judicial control in Turkey pending indictment following the
completion of an investigation that is being conducted on the grounds
of “laundering money acquired through crime”.
4. The Netherlands’ Delegation has indicated to the Committee
of Ministers that, following the escape of Mr Saban Baran, internal
prison rules in the Netherlands regarding granting leave from detention
on account of personal circumstances will be reviewed.
