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MP demands action by Turkey on Leeds United fan murders
A Leeds MP is to hold talks with a top Turkish diplomat over the country's handling of the case of murdered football fans Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight.
Fabian Hamilton, MP for Leeds North East, says he will voice "serious concerns" when he meets Turkey's recently-appointed ambassador to Britain next Tuesday in London.
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Mr Hamilton is also planning to call for urgent progress in the long-delayed case during a visit to Turkey before the end of the year.
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And he hopes the country's desire to join the European Union will provide him with a crucial bargaining tool in the fight to win justice for Mr Loftus and Mr Speight.
The MP said today: "I want Turkey to join the EU but they must not be allowed to do so when their legal system does not match the European norm. Putting an end to the ordeal of the Loftus and Speight families would be a way of showing that improvements are being made in that area."
Leeds United supporters Mr Loftus and Mr Speight were fatally stabbed in Istanbul in April 2000, on the eve of a Uefa Cup tie between the Whites and local side Galatasaray.
A number of Turkish men were found guilty of involvement in the killings in 2007 but were released pending appeals that have yet to be heard.
Mr Hamilton has previously tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons urging the Government to put pressure on Turkey to get to grips with the case. Leeds fans nationwide are asked to lobby their local MPs to add their names to the EDM, which to date has attracted just 16 signatures.
Mr Loftus was aged 35 and from Burmantofts while Mr Speight was 40 and from Farsley.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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