E/CN.4/1989/44 page 40 "It was reported that, as of 15 April 1988, some of those arrested were still in prison awaiting trial, including (three names provided) in Samsun. Some of the Christians arrested have allegedly been ill-treated while in custody, notably (one name provided) in Samsun; (four names provided) in Gaziantep; (one name provided) in Adana; (four names provided) in Eskisehir; and (one name provided) in Iskenderun." 71- In a communication of 7 November 1988, the followinq information was transmitted: "It has been reported that between mid-February and October 1988, more than 70 persons have been arrested in eight cities for suspected participation in Christian religious activities. "It has been alleged that on 1 October 1988 the police disrupted a Christian weddinq in Ankara, arresting 12 Turks and 3 foreigners. Five Turks were reportedly released when it was found that they were not of the Christian faith. It has been alleged that no charges have been filed and that the Christians are being held without access to a legal counsel." 72. On 11 November 1988, the Permanent Mission of Turkey communicated the reply of the Turkish authorities to the Special Rapporteur's letter of 3 October 1988. This reply also referred to the articles of the Turkish Constitution concerning freedom of conscience, religion and belief, and stated in particular: "Laicism is one of the main pillars upon which the Republic of Turkey is founded. No discrimination can be made between different religious practices in Turkey and nobody can be prosecuted because of his reliqion or faith. The Turkish society is a secular and democratic one where everyone enjoys freedom of conscience, religious faith, belief and practice under the guarantee of the law. "The allegation that 50 people have been arrested since mid-February 1988 for participation in Christian reliqious activities or the distribution of Christian literature or making Christian propaganda does not correspond to the facts. Fifty persons, including some foreigners, who belong to a sect called 'The Believers in Messiah' were arrested in eight different cities of Turkey. But the said persons were not charged with Christian propaganda or activities. They were accused of carrying out organized illegal activities under the guise of some private companies and foundations. "(Four names provided) were arrested and put on trial by the court concerned on 3 March 1988. They were accused of violatinq the law on the protection of freedom of conscience and of assembly and the Penal Code 'by making use of religious sentiments and sacred things with the purpose of obtaining personal benefits and influences'. They were acquitted on 13 September 1988.