Turkish FM criticizes British royal over secret orphanage filming

Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, and her daughter took part in a British television program which has alleged that children have been mistreated at an orphanage in Ankara, Turkey’s capital.Â

 

The secretly filmed sections of the program appeared to show children tied to their beds.

 

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan criticized the ITV television channel’s methods, saying the use of a hidden camera is a violation of the children's rights, adding that the allegations are being investigated.

 

Babacan said the methods risked upsetting the orphans, and added the orphanage featured in the program cares for children with learning disabilities.

 

"These children are sick; these children are mentally disabled," he said following talks with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

 

"Doing such a kind of visit, in a secretive way, with a hidden camera and in disguise ... is not the proper way," he was quoted by AP as saying.

 

Babacan insisted Turkey would address any problems. "We are not ignoring the problems. We are working hard for solutions," he said.

 

Miliband said alleged mistreatment of children was a "source of concern to any human being". But he said Turkey’s decision to investigate showed it was taking the matter seriously.

 

He told Babacan that the ITV documentary was an independent program and Ferguson was "an independent person".

 

"We are very concerned by any allegations or television programs that show abuse of children of any sort. The descriptions of the program ... are extremely distressing," said Miliband, who said he had not seen the documentary.

 

The program, broadcast Thursday on Britain’s ITV, said the treatment of orphans could call into question Turkey’s readiness to join the European Union, the AP reported. Turkey is seeking to become a member of the 27-nation EU, and is supported by the British government.

 

Some Turkish authorities have accused the duchess of attempting to smear the country’s reputation.

 

"We firmly stand by our journalistic methods and are satisfied that going undercover and secretly filming was fully justified," a spokeswoman for ITV's "Tonight" program told Reuters.