Mr Baran’s cases

Written question No. 664 to the Committee of Ministers | Doc. 13591 | 09 September 2014

Signatories:

Mr Pieter OMTZIGT, Netherlands, EPP/CD

Saban Baran received a seven years and nine month sentence for, inter alia, forced prostitution of more than 100 women in the Netherlands. This sentence became final in September 2012 when it was confirmed by the Dutch High Court.

Mr Baran fled to Turkey while on short leave. On 12 January 2011, the Committee of Ministers answered (reply to written question no. 587) that:

• 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 ;
• the Turkish and Dutch 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.”

Mr Baran has several other serious cases against him, both in the Netherlands and in Turkey. Yet the media continues to report that he is a free man.

Mr Omtzigt,

To ask the Committee of Ministers:

• Which convictions did Mr Baran receive both in the Netherlands and in Turkey? And which cases are still pending?
• Did the Turkish and Dutch authorities co-operate well and did he serve his sentence(s) in Turkey or the Netherlands?
• When and how will Mr Baran serve his sentence(s)?