30 August 2010
Kurdish lawyers of Diyarbakir Bar Association take cases to the European Court of Human Rights
Kurdish lawyers of Diyarbakir Bar Association are taking the situation of the prisoners who are suffering terminal illnesses and not released despite the medical reports before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasburg.
Lawyer Reyhan Yalcindag stated that they will base their claims on the Article 13 (right to an effective remedy), Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) and Article 3 (prohibition of torture). “These people are left to die in prison merely because of their opposing political opinion.” added Yalcindag.
She also said they will take the cases of Rıdvan Kızgın who was not released in spite of his terminal illness and eventually died in prison. She further stated that Nurettin Sosyal and Halil Gunes who are currently suffering such an illness in prison will also apply the European Court.
Law is not applied to the political opponents
Speaking to ANF attorney Reyhan Yalcindag said although the laws are clear in terms of releasing the prisoners suffering terminal diseases the authorities are reluctant to apply them to the political opponents.
Medical reports are ignored
Yalcindag also stated that there are dozens of political prisoners like Nurettin Soysal and Halil Güneş who are still kept in prisons despite the medical reports issued by hospitals. “These patient prisoners cannot receive roper medical care in prisons and left to die in prisons which constitutes a violation of right to life in the meaning of the European Convention on Human Rights.” added Yalcindag.
Ergenekon prisoners receive favourable treatment
Reyhan Yalcindag further stated that the prisoners who are on trial within the scope of the Ergenekon case are easily granted such release whereas political opponents are left to die in prison. She said it is a clear discrimination and all the prisoners suffering such a situation should be treated equally and released.
ANF / DIYARBAKIR
ANF NEWS AGENCY
