UK & World News
- 6 May 2012, 5:45
Sarah Ferguson Faces 'Secret Filming' Trial
A Turkish court has begun a trial against the Duchess of York for allegedly taking part in the secret filming of two orphanages in Turkey.
Sarah Ferguson faces charges of going "against the law in acquiring footage and violating privacy" of five children at one of the orphanages, state news agency Anadolu said.
If convicted, she could receive a maximum sentence of more than 22 years in prison.
The trial began on Friday but the duchess chose not to attend.
The court said she should attend the next hearing, Anadolu reported.
But the duchess's spokesman said he did not think she had any plans to go at this stage, and the next hearing may not happen before the autumn.
As the crime of which she stands accused is not a crime in the UK, she cannot be extradited, it is understood.
The former wife of Prince Andrew allegedly made an undercover trip to Turkey in 2008 during which she secretly visited the two state-run orphanages with two TV journalists.
The footage of the five children was filmed at the Saray Rehabilitation and Care Centre orphanage near Ankara and shown on ITV's Duchess And Daughters: Their Secret Mission.
The images appeared to show the children tied to their beds or left in cribs.
The Turkish government has accused the duchess of smearing the country's image, while saying at the same time that it would investigate and address any problems at the orphanages.
The news agency quoted her lawyer, Cansu Sahin, as saying the duchess is seeking an out-of-court settlement.
Canan Yildiz, a lawyer representing the five children, said her clients have been "harmed" and would like to join the public prosecution against the duchess and the two journalists, who have also been indicted and could be tried separately.
what do you think?
Jacqui Morrison
As it is not a crime here so she cannot be extradited, and she "chooses not to attend", why exactly are they doing this?
Fred McCann
Amazing. This country is trying to get into the EU while allowing child abuse like this. It is filmed, and instead of saying they will deal with it, they want to bring action against the woman who brought it to the worlds attention. Mind you it should stop Turkey getting in, and millions more heading for the handouts in the UK
Andrew Field
i agree fred. trouble is they know she is right and will spend a lot of money to discredit her findings
Julie Crumpton
Hmmmm! They dont want anyone to see what goes on then! Fair play, sarah, for once i think you did right!
Julie Doughty
Well done to Sarah is what I say!!! Bringing it to the worlds attention, good on her!!
Stuart Harley
ME THINKS THE TURKISH AUTHORITIES ARE EMBARISHED AND A BIT EDGY ABOUT SOMETHING....CHILDREN TIED TO THEIR BEDS FOR EXAMPLE ....NOBODY GO TO TURKEY FOR THEIR HOLLS, THAT WILL HIT THEM (ITS A HORRIBLE PLACE ANYWAY)
movvi
"Violating privacy" of these children is obviously not of any concern but it's the only way they can bring this to court - a blatant exploitation of the kids again, adding insult to injury. The state of orphanages there needed to be exposed so she did the right thing.
Paul Walsh
If that is how the Turkish orphanages are run then the Turks have to look at themselves first! As for the children that 'have been harmed' I think the opposite is in fact the situation here!
Andrew Field
Can honestly say ive never been a fergie fan , BUT what she has highlighted is of some concern. and it should not only be investigated by the eu but the people involved brought to justice. you cant blame the country as there are a lot of nice people. but the awful people who treat kids this way should pay for their inhumanity
EQINOX187 .
While i agrea she did a good thing highlighting what is going on over there. However it also highlights the 2 sided nature of the UK as in one rule for use commoners well none for these royals. Just look at that kid and that the crim he did was not in the UK and yet they had no problem in extraditing him to the USA and if i remmber this has happend to another recently to. Yet it seems she is abouve such commoner laws as the story states "As the crime of which she stands accused is not a crime in the UK, she cannot be extradited, it is understood"
John Henderson
Seems as if Turkey is trying to enhance its chances of entering the EU !!! I wonder where the HR brigade are on this one - they are very quiet for once. And as for Turkey accusing the Duchess of smearing the Country's image - is that possible - does it really need any more smearing ? The truth of it is they have been found out, they dont like it. Well, tough.
IRONSTINE
What a travesty implemented by Turkey,on one individual who exposed child abuse in their Country, if this Turkish Government get into the E U they will by these actions, abuse the system to their own ends.
Name witheld
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Romek Sowinski
4:51pm on 5/5/2012
Trial for telling the TRUTH !What ever next.