Extradition threat to Fergie as Turks object to TV exposé

Cover girl: the Duchess of York in more familiar, glamorous style
12 April 2012

The Duchess of York could face a Home Office investigation after Turkey accused her of illegally filming an undercover television documentary.

The Turkish authorities have asked the Home Office to formally question the Duchess over her role in the ITV programme which exposed harsh living conditions in state-run orphanages.

The Duchess and her 19-year-old daughter Princess Eugenie went undercover for the documentary, which was aired last year.

The Duchess wore a black wig and headscarf to visit an orphanage housing 700 disabled children for ITV1's Tonight. The programme showed neglected disabled children who had been tied to their beds.

The Duchess is accused of breaking the country's strict privacy laws and could face four-and-a-half years in prison if convicted by a local court.

Turkish authorities have lodged a formal request for "mutual legal assistance". The Home Office and Scotland Yard are discussing the matter and will decide whether the request should be granted.

The Duchess would initially be questioned by British police. She could only be extradited if she is accused of committing an offence which is punishable in both Turkey and Britain by at least one year in prison. It is unknown whether Princess Eugenie also faces questioning.

It is also unclear exactly what offence Turkey is alleging the Duchess has committed. Turkish social affairs minister Nimet Cubukcu said at the time: "It is very clear that Mrs Sarah Ferguson has bad intentions. She is obviously in a campaign to blacken Turkey's name."

The Home Office has not commented on the matter. However an extradition attempt is unlikely to succeed as there is no equivalent crime under UK law.

At the time of the broadcast a spokesman for the Duchess said: "The Duchess has no political motivation. This is all about the welfare of children."

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