02 November 2010
Human Rights group appeals to UN
An Iranian opposition group called UN to take urgent action to save two Kurdish prisoners on death row.
The National Council of Resistance of Iran issued a statement for Messrs Hossein Khezri and Habibollah Golpari-Poor who are still in Orumieh and Mahabad prisons.
The group called the UN Secretary General, High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Working Group on Arbitrary Arrests, Special Rapporteur on Executions and Torture and all international organizations to take urgent actions to have the death sentences of political prisoners.
Hossein Khezri, 28, was sentenced to death charged with ‘moharebeh’ (waging war on God) during a Kangaroo trial lasting only a few minutes in 2008. Due to severe tortures in prisons and ‘safe houses’ in the cities of Kermanshah and Orumieh, Hossein Khezri has been suffering from various illnesses including sight deficiency, kidney bleeding and lung infection, leaving him in a very poor health condition. The Iranian regime’s henchmen, however, are depriving this political prisoner of any medical care. Some time ago, the father of Hossein Khezri died of a stroke, unable to stand his young son’s unbearable conditions.
Habibollah Golpari-Poor, 27, was also condemned to execution charged with ‘moharebeh’ in late 2009. His sentence was reaffirmed by the mullahs’ Supreme Court last September.
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
2011 general elections to be held on June 12th
02 November 2010
AKP set date for elections
The ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party) has today decided that the next general elections will be held on June 12th 2011.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had indicated earlier that elections could be scheduled sometimes in June. Now the decision has been taken.
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AKP set date for elections
The ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party) has today decided that the next general elections will be held on June 12th 2011.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had indicated earlier that elections could be scheduled sometimes in June. Now the decision has been taken.
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IHD: Turkish government should seize the opportunity for peace
02 November 2010
Human Rights Association calls on government to seize opportunity for peace
Human Rights Association (IHD) called the Turkish government to seize the opportunity for peace after extension of unilateral ceasefire declared by the Kurdistan Worker Party (PKK).
Secretary of IHD's Diyarbakir branch Raci Bilici said if the Turkish government is sincere about solving the Kurdish problem it should take positive steps.
Commenting about PKK's decision to extend the ceasefire Bilici said the opportunities for peace is now clear and the government should seize this opportunity.
Bilici said the negotiations for peace should start immediately and the Kurdish politicians who are in jail should be released.
He also called the government to lower the election threshold.
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Human Rights Association calls on government to seize opportunity for peace
Human Rights Association (IHD) called the Turkish government to seize the opportunity for peace after extension of unilateral ceasefire declared by the Kurdistan Worker Party (PKK).
Secretary of IHD's Diyarbakir branch Raci Bilici said if the Turkish government is sincere about solving the Kurdish problem it should take positive steps.
Commenting about PKK's decision to extend the ceasefire Bilici said the opportunities for peace is now clear and the government should seize this opportunity.
Bilici said the negotiations for peace should start immediately and the Kurdish politicians who are in jail should be released.
He also called the government to lower the election threshold.
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Tugluk is considering a visit to Qandil
02 November 2010
DTK Co-Chair might go to Kandil to speak to PKK officials
Democratic Society Congress (DTK) co-president Ayset Tugluk says she is considering a visit to Qandil to hold talks with PKK officials.
After visiting Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan yesterday, Tugluk said that the DTK officials will hold a meeting tomorrow in Diyarbakır where plans of a future peace process will be discussed.
Tugluk said that she is considering a visit to Qandil region where prominent PKK commanders are based in South Kurdistan.
On the other hand Turkish parliament rejected a petition by Ahmet Türk and Aysel Tuğluk which demands the restoration of their membership in the legislative.
The presidency of the parliament said that it's high judiciary's decision to restore the membership of Tugluk and Turk.
The two were banned from politics when their party was closed in 2009. However, an article included in constitutional amendment package, which was ratified in the Sept. 12 referendum, was drafted to prevent deputies whose political party is shut down from being banned from politics. In accordance with the recent changes in the Constitution, deputies whose political party is closed down will be able to continue participate in politics.
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DTK Co-Chair might go to Kandil to speak to PKK officials
Democratic Society Congress (DTK) co-president Ayset Tugluk says she is considering a visit to Qandil to hold talks with PKK officials.
After visiting Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan yesterday, Tugluk said that the DTK officials will hold a meeting tomorrow in Diyarbakır where plans of a future peace process will be discussed.
Tugluk said that she is considering a visit to Qandil region where prominent PKK commanders are based in South Kurdistan.
On the other hand Turkish parliament rejected a petition by Ahmet Türk and Aysel Tuğluk which demands the restoration of their membership in the legislative.
The presidency of the parliament said that it's high judiciary's decision to restore the membership of Tugluk and Turk.
The two were banned from politics when their party was closed in 2009. However, an article included in constitutional amendment package, which was ratified in the Sept. 12 referendum, was drafted to prevent deputies whose political party is shut down from being banned from politics. In accordance with the recent changes in the Constitution, deputies whose political party is closed down will be able to continue participate in politics.
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Austrian explosive used in Taksim
02 November 2010
Clues point to Al Qaeda
The explanation that the type of the explosive used in the attack in Taksim is a plastic explosive of Austria origin, directed the attentions to Vienna government. Noticing that they started an investigation about the bomb, Austria Interior Ministry spokesman said; “We cannot say something definite about the bomb. But, we are in touch with Turkish government”.
With the explanation that the bombs used in the attack against Action Force Branch Office police point in Taksim Square are “SCH detorator a4” type plastic explosive of Austria origin, Wien government took action. Austria government didn’t give any detailed information concerning the bomb type and declared that they started an investigation with the explanation of Turkish authorities.
Interior Minister Spokesman Rudolf Gollia pointed out that they don’t have any detailed information about the exploded bomb, remarking that they got in touch with the Interior Ministry of Turkey in this respect. Informing that they asked for detailed information from Turkish authorities, Austrian government official added that they can make a detailed statement after the investigation.
AL QAEDA SUSPECT GETTING STRONGER
Meanwhile, European Press wrote that Al Qaeda could also be at the back of the attack .Among the leading papers of Switzerland, Neu Zürcher Zeitung wrote; “El Qaeda could be standing behind the bloody assault”, while a similar claim was seen on a daily paper of Austria, Wiener Zeitung. Pointing out that that PKK took no responsibility for the attack at its statement, the paper referred to the increasing Al Qaeda threat against USA and European countries.
The paper called attention to two parcel bombs that were sent from Yemen to America with the recent attacks in Iraq and then realized in Dubai and Britain in the last minute, writing that a “panic environment” is aimed before the elections in USA. Reminding that Al Qaeda is also strong in Turkey, the Austrian paper claimed; “The attackers could be aiming to attract the attention with their acts in different points”.
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Clues point to Al Qaeda
The explanation that the type of the explosive used in the attack in Taksim is a plastic explosive of Austria origin, directed the attentions to Vienna government. Noticing that they started an investigation about the bomb, Austria Interior Ministry spokesman said; “We cannot say something definite about the bomb. But, we are in touch with Turkish government”.
With the explanation that the bombs used in the attack against Action Force Branch Office police point in Taksim Square are “SCH detorator a4” type plastic explosive of Austria origin, Wien government took action. Austria government didn’t give any detailed information concerning the bomb type and declared that they started an investigation with the explanation of Turkish authorities.
Interior Minister Spokesman Rudolf Gollia pointed out that they don’t have any detailed information about the exploded bomb, remarking that they got in touch with the Interior Ministry of Turkey in this respect. Informing that they asked for detailed information from Turkish authorities, Austrian government official added that they can make a detailed statement after the investigation.
AL QAEDA SUSPECT GETTING STRONGER
Meanwhile, European Press wrote that Al Qaeda could also be at the back of the attack .Among the leading papers of Switzerland, Neu Zürcher Zeitung wrote; “El Qaeda could be standing behind the bloody assault”, while a similar claim was seen on a daily paper of Austria, Wiener Zeitung. Pointing out that that PKK took no responsibility for the attack at its statement, the paper referred to the increasing Al Qaeda threat against USA and European countries.
The paper called attention to two parcel bombs that were sent from Yemen to America with the recent attacks in Iraq and then realized in Dubai and Britain in the last minute, writing that a “panic environment” is aimed before the elections in USA. Reminding that Al Qaeda is also strong in Turkey, the Austrian paper claimed; “The attackers could be aiming to attract the attention with their acts in different points”.
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Tuğluk: The dialog process has turned into negotiations
02 November 2010
Ocalan reiterates need for Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Co-chair of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK) Aysel Tuğluk visited the imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in Imrali prison. Speaking to the journalists upon her return from Imrali Island Tuğluk said the meetings between the Kurdish leader and the state officials are continuing. She also reported Öcalan’s statement “The dialog process has turned into negotiations.” Tuğluk further stated that the ceasefire has been extended within the knowledge of Öcalan.
“[Mr. Öcalan] has stated that he is conducting serious and important meetings with the state officials which means they reached the negotiations phase. He also added that in fact the state is in favour of continuing the solution and peace process however, the obstacle is the politics.” stated Tuğluk.
She continued:
Opposition should fulfil its responsibilities
Öcalan added that “The political parties are acting according to their own interest which harms Turkey. AKP, CHP and MHP should fulfil their responsibilities in order to turn this process into solution. Especially the press should focus on this issue and support the approach of the officials and expose those who are self-interest-oriented.” Mr. Öcalan also added that he is in favour of living together and their solution do not require an independent state but a model for a mutual life.
Truth Commission should be established
Öcalan said Istanbul attack should be examined as a whole together with the roadside attack in Hakkari and killing 9 Kurdish guerrillas in Hakkari despite the ceasefire and those who are responsible should be found out. He reiterated his proposal for Truth Commission which are fundamental for peace and solution and said it should be the task of the parliament.
Öcalan: I am ready to implement the decisions of this commission
Upon a question from the journalist Tuğluk said that Öcalan wanted establishment of a Truth Commission and he will be ready to follow its decisions. He also added that such a commission should have the capacity and competence to decide about disarming and if this commission functions well than upcoming period can turn into a period of solution.
Meetings with the state officials are serious
Upon another question from a journalist who asked: “Öcalan said he would withdraw after 31 October. Has anything changed in this regard?” Tuğluk said the meetings are carried out which means he is in. She also added that they informed Öcalan about the fact that the public opinion wants him remain in the process and even to lead the process.
Tuğluk also denied the allegations that undersecretary of the Turkish National Intelligence Service (MIT) has met Öcalan in the prison.
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Ocalan reiterates need for Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Co-chair of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK) Aysel Tuğluk visited the imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in Imrali prison. Speaking to the journalists upon her return from Imrali Island Tuğluk said the meetings between the Kurdish leader and the state officials are continuing. She also reported Öcalan’s statement “The dialog process has turned into negotiations.” Tuğluk further stated that the ceasefire has been extended within the knowledge of Öcalan.
“[Mr. Öcalan] has stated that he is conducting serious and important meetings with the state officials which means they reached the negotiations phase. He also added that in fact the state is in favour of continuing the solution and peace process however, the obstacle is the politics.” stated Tuğluk.
She continued:
Opposition should fulfil its responsibilities
Öcalan added that “The political parties are acting according to their own interest which harms Turkey. AKP, CHP and MHP should fulfil their responsibilities in order to turn this process into solution. Especially the press should focus on this issue and support the approach of the officials and expose those who are self-interest-oriented.” Mr. Öcalan also added that he is in favour of living together and their solution do not require an independent state but a model for a mutual life.
Truth Commission should be established
Öcalan said Istanbul attack should be examined as a whole together with the roadside attack in Hakkari and killing 9 Kurdish guerrillas in Hakkari despite the ceasefire and those who are responsible should be found out. He reiterated his proposal for Truth Commission which are fundamental for peace and solution and said it should be the task of the parliament.
Öcalan: I am ready to implement the decisions of this commission
Upon a question from the journalist Tuğluk said that Öcalan wanted establishment of a Truth Commission and he will be ready to follow its decisions. He also added that such a commission should have the capacity and competence to decide about disarming and if this commission functions well than upcoming period can turn into a period of solution.
Meetings with the state officials are serious
Upon another question from a journalist who asked: “Öcalan said he would withdraw after 31 October. Has anything changed in this regard?” Tuğluk said the meetings are carried out which means he is in. She also added that they informed Öcalan about the fact that the public opinion wants him remain in the process and even to lead the process.
Tuğluk also denied the allegations that undersecretary of the Turkish National Intelligence Service (MIT) has met Öcalan in the prison.
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HRW: anti-terror law used to repress legitimate dissent
01 November 2010
Hundreds of Kurdish demonstrators prosecuted as they were armed militants, says Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch said it "unequivocally condemns the October 31, 2010 suicide bomb attack in Istanbul." According to the international organization "it is essential that Turkey's response targets the perpetrators, not legitimate dissenters."
Human Rights Watch released a report today documenting the use of anti-terror laws to prosecute hundreds of Kurdish demonstrators as though they were armed militants, violating free expression, association, and assembly.
The 75-page report, "Protesting as a Terrorist Offense: The Arbitrary Use of Terrorism Laws to Prosecute and Incarcerate Demonstrators in Turkey," is based on a review of 50 cases. It describes 26 cases of individuals prosecuted for terrorism even though they had nothing to do with violence such as the October 31 attack, but simply for taking part in protests deemed by the government to be sympathetic to the outlawed armed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Hundreds of Kurdish demonstrators are currently in prison pending the outcome of their trials or appeals against convictions. Others are serving long sentences that have been upheld by Turkey's top court of appeal.
"When it comes to the Kurdish question, the courts in Turkey are all too quick to label political opposition as terrorism," said Emma Sinclair-Webb, Turkey researcher at Human Rights Watch and author of the report. "When you close off the space for free speech and association, it has the counterproductive effect of making armed opposition more attractive."
Over the past three years, courts have relied on broadly drafted terrorism laws introduced as provisions of the 2005 Turkish Penal Code, plus case law, to prosecute demonstrators. The courts have ruled that merely being present at a demonstration that the PKK encouraged people to attend amounts to acting under PKK orders. Demonstrators have been punished severely for acts of terrorism even if their offense was making a victory sign, clapping, shouting a PKK slogan, throwing a stone, or burning a tire.
The report calls on the Turkish authorities to amend the laws that have resulted in the arbitrary and punitive application of terrorism charges against demonstrators, to suspend ongoing prosecutions against demonstrators under these laws, and to review the cases of those already convicted.
Following domestic and international criticism over the prosecution on terrorism charges of children who attended Kurdish demonstrations, parliament amended the laws in July to quash such convictions and prevent the prosecution of children in courts that specialize in terrorism cases.
But the laws otherwise remain unchanged, including article 220/6 of the Turkish Penal Code, prohibiting offenses committed on behalf of the PKK, which is used to prosecute demonstrators in conjunction with article 314/2, criminalizing armed membership in the organization.
"Ending the prosecution under these laws of most child demonstrators was an important step forward," Sinclair-Webb said. "But allowing laws clearly aimed at terrorism to be used against adult demonstrators inflicts immense damage on free expression, assembly, and association in Turkey."
Among the cases cited in the report are the following. In each case, the court concluded that the individual joined the demonstration under PKK orders because of news reports in advance of the demonstrations saying the PKK urged people to take part.
A university student, Murat Işıkırık, is serving a sentence of six years and three months for making a victory sign at the March 2006 funeral procession in Diyarbakır for four PKK members, and clapping during a March 2007 protest on the campus at Diyarbakır's Dicle University.
A mother of six, Vesile Tadik, was sentenced to seven years for holding up a banner with a slogan "The approach to peace lies through Öcalan" during a December 2009 protest in Kurtalan, Siirt, against the prison conditions of the imprisoned PKK leader. Her case is on appeal.
Medeni Aydın shouted, "Long live Chairman Öcalan" at a similar demonstration on the same day in Eruh, Siirt, and was sentenced to seven years. He is in prison pending his appeal. At the same demonstration Selahattin Erden was similarly punished for holding the edge of a banner with a pro-PKK slogan. He too remains in prison pending his appeal.
Fatma Gökhan, Tufan Yıldırım, and Feyzi Aslan received sentences ranging from 10 years and 5 months to 11 years and 3 months for shouting slogans, making victory signs and throwing stones during a March 26, 2008 demonstration in Diyarbakır. Their convictions for "committing crimes on behalf of the PKK", punishable as "membership in an armed organization," have been upheld, and they will serve at least seven years in prison, with an ongoing retrial on other charges against them following a July 2010 amendment to the Law on Demonstrations and Public Assemblies.
The ongoing prosecutions of demonstrators are part of a wider crackdown on pro-Kurdish legal political parties for alleged ties to the PKK. On October 18, 152 members and officials of the Democratic Society Party, which was closed by the Constitutional Court in December, 2009, and its successor, the Peace and Democracy Party, which has 20 members in parliament, went on trial in Diyarbakır on charges ranging from separatism, to membership of an armed organization, to aiding abetting that organization.
The defendants include serving and former mayors, a prominent human rights defender, and lawyers. Six of the serving mayors and a human rights defender were arrested last December and have been detained since that time. Another 53, including the lawyers, have been detained since April 2009. Across Turkey around 1,700 party members are in detention facing trial on similar charges.
"The government should complete the task of reform by changing laws relating to adult demonstrators, to bring them fully into line with Turkey's human rights obligations," Sinclair-Webb said. "Throwing people in jail is no way to halt terrorism - or protest."
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Hundreds of Kurdish demonstrators prosecuted as they were armed militants, says Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch said it "unequivocally condemns the October 31, 2010 suicide bomb attack in Istanbul." According to the international organization "it is essential that Turkey's response targets the perpetrators, not legitimate dissenters."
Human Rights Watch released a report today documenting the use of anti-terror laws to prosecute hundreds of Kurdish demonstrators as though they were armed militants, violating free expression, association, and assembly.
The 75-page report, "Protesting as a Terrorist Offense: The Arbitrary Use of Terrorism Laws to Prosecute and Incarcerate Demonstrators in Turkey," is based on a review of 50 cases. It describes 26 cases of individuals prosecuted for terrorism even though they had nothing to do with violence such as the October 31 attack, but simply for taking part in protests deemed by the government to be sympathetic to the outlawed armed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Hundreds of Kurdish demonstrators are currently in prison pending the outcome of their trials or appeals against convictions. Others are serving long sentences that have been upheld by Turkey's top court of appeal.
"When it comes to the Kurdish question, the courts in Turkey are all too quick to label political opposition as terrorism," said Emma Sinclair-Webb, Turkey researcher at Human Rights Watch and author of the report. "When you close off the space for free speech and association, it has the counterproductive effect of making armed opposition more attractive."
Over the past three years, courts have relied on broadly drafted terrorism laws introduced as provisions of the 2005 Turkish Penal Code, plus case law, to prosecute demonstrators. The courts have ruled that merely being present at a demonstration that the PKK encouraged people to attend amounts to acting under PKK orders. Demonstrators have been punished severely for acts of terrorism even if their offense was making a victory sign, clapping, shouting a PKK slogan, throwing a stone, or burning a tire.
The report calls on the Turkish authorities to amend the laws that have resulted in the arbitrary and punitive application of terrorism charges against demonstrators, to suspend ongoing prosecutions against demonstrators under these laws, and to review the cases of those already convicted.
Following domestic and international criticism over the prosecution on terrorism charges of children who attended Kurdish demonstrations, parliament amended the laws in July to quash such convictions and prevent the prosecution of children in courts that specialize in terrorism cases.
But the laws otherwise remain unchanged, including article 220/6 of the Turkish Penal Code, prohibiting offenses committed on behalf of the PKK, which is used to prosecute demonstrators in conjunction with article 314/2, criminalizing armed membership in the organization.
"Ending the prosecution under these laws of most child demonstrators was an important step forward," Sinclair-Webb said. "But allowing laws clearly aimed at terrorism to be used against adult demonstrators inflicts immense damage on free expression, assembly, and association in Turkey."
Among the cases cited in the report are the following. In each case, the court concluded that the individual joined the demonstration under PKK orders because of news reports in advance of the demonstrations saying the PKK urged people to take part.
A university student, Murat Işıkırık, is serving a sentence of six years and three months for making a victory sign at the March 2006 funeral procession in Diyarbakır for four PKK members, and clapping during a March 2007 protest on the campus at Diyarbakır's Dicle University.
A mother of six, Vesile Tadik, was sentenced to seven years for holding up a banner with a slogan "The approach to peace lies through Öcalan" during a December 2009 protest in Kurtalan, Siirt, against the prison conditions of the imprisoned PKK leader. Her case is on appeal.
Medeni Aydın shouted, "Long live Chairman Öcalan" at a similar demonstration on the same day in Eruh, Siirt, and was sentenced to seven years. He is in prison pending his appeal. At the same demonstration Selahattin Erden was similarly punished for holding the edge of a banner with a pro-PKK slogan. He too remains in prison pending his appeal.
Fatma Gökhan, Tufan Yıldırım, and Feyzi Aslan received sentences ranging from 10 years and 5 months to 11 years and 3 months for shouting slogans, making victory signs and throwing stones during a March 26, 2008 demonstration in Diyarbakır. Their convictions for "committing crimes on behalf of the PKK", punishable as "membership in an armed organization," have been upheld, and they will serve at least seven years in prison, with an ongoing retrial on other charges against them following a July 2010 amendment to the Law on Demonstrations and Public Assemblies.
The ongoing prosecutions of demonstrators are part of a wider crackdown on pro-Kurdish legal political parties for alleged ties to the PKK. On October 18, 152 members and officials of the Democratic Society Party, which was closed by the Constitutional Court in December, 2009, and its successor, the Peace and Democracy Party, which has 20 members in parliament, went on trial in Diyarbakır on charges ranging from separatism, to membership of an armed organization, to aiding abetting that organization.
The defendants include serving and former mayors, a prominent human rights defender, and lawyers. Six of the serving mayors and a human rights defender were arrested last December and have been detained since that time. Another 53, including the lawyers, have been detained since April 2009. Across Turkey around 1,700 party members are in detention facing trial on similar charges.
"The government should complete the task of reform by changing laws relating to adult demonstrators, to bring them fully into line with Turkey's human rights obligations," Sinclair-Webb said. "Throwing people in jail is no way to halt terrorism - or protest."
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BDP welcomes the extended ceasefire
01 November 2010
BDP says ceasefire great opportunity for peace
Co-chair of Peace and Democracy Party Gulten Kisanak welcomed the extension of unilateral ceasefire by the KCK and said: “It is a great opportunity to solve the Kurdish problem through democratic methods.“
Speaking to the journalists after observing the ongoing KCK trial in Diyarbakir Kisanak called on the Turkish government and asked: “What will you do to bring an end to the deaths?“
“We have been supporting the ceasefire from the beginning however, unilateral ceasefire does not suffice to stop the deaths. We are expecting a constructive approach from the Turkish government.“ added Kisanak.
Former Co-chair of BDP Ahmet Turk who is banned from politics by the Turkish Constitutional Court said the ongoing KCK trial is a turning point and they expect a result which will lead creation the necessary democratic basis for a peaceful solution. He further stated that they will insist on peace.
Concerning the suicide attack in Istanbul Turk said it is a provocation and logic does not work where there is war. Such attacks are condemned both by the Kurds and the Turks.
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BDP says ceasefire great opportunity for peace
Co-chair of Peace and Democracy Party Gulten Kisanak welcomed the extension of unilateral ceasefire by the KCK and said: “It is a great opportunity to solve the Kurdish problem through democratic methods.“
Speaking to the journalists after observing the ongoing KCK trial in Diyarbakir Kisanak called on the Turkish government and asked: “What will you do to bring an end to the deaths?“
“We have been supporting the ceasefire from the beginning however, unilateral ceasefire does not suffice to stop the deaths. We are expecting a constructive approach from the Turkish government.“ added Kisanak.
Former Co-chair of BDP Ahmet Turk who is banned from politics by the Turkish Constitutional Court said the ongoing KCK trial is a turning point and they expect a result which will lead creation the necessary democratic basis for a peaceful solution. He further stated that they will insist on peace.
Concerning the suicide attack in Istanbul Turk said it is a provocation and logic does not work where there is war. Such attacks are condemned both by the Kurds and the Turks.
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KCK denies any connections with the Istanbul suicide attack
01 November 2010
Nothing to do with Istanbul attack, says KCK
The Executive Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Confederation KCK issued a press release concerning the yesterday's attack in Istanbul and denied any connection with it.
The statement as follows: “Our struggle is going through a historic period. The ceasefire which had been declared on 31 October upon the call from our leader is extended until general elections. As our movement is preparing itself to take historic steps in accordance with the calls from our leader it is out of question to conduct such an attack.
The attack does not fit our strategy and methods and it is out of question for any troops of us to have realized such an attack. Despite this fact some sources are launching the attacks as is it has been carried out by us which does not reflect the truth at all. Moreover, such an attack in which it is likely for the civilians to get hurt, definitely cannot be our style.“
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ANF NEWS AGENCY
Nothing to do with Istanbul attack, says KCK
The Executive Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Confederation KCK issued a press release concerning the yesterday's attack in Istanbul and denied any connection with it.
The statement as follows: “Our struggle is going through a historic period. The ceasefire which had been declared on 31 October upon the call from our leader is extended until general elections. As our movement is preparing itself to take historic steps in accordance with the calls from our leader it is out of question to conduct such an attack.
The attack does not fit our strategy and methods and it is out of question for any troops of us to have realized such an attack. Despite this fact some sources are launching the attacks as is it has been carried out by us which does not reflect the truth at all. Moreover, such an attack in which it is likely for the civilians to get hurt, definitely cannot be our style.“
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ANF NEWS AGENCY
Human Rights Association denounces the Istanbul attack
01 November 2010
IHD says 'bombs target peace'
Human Rights Association of Turkey IHD denounced the suicide attack in Istanbul. In its press release IHD headquarters stated that they consider peace as a human rights and reminded their call three days ago for the extension of the ceasefire.
IHD further said that the attack realised by unknown persons causes casualties and IHD have sympathy for the victims. “Bombs are targeting the peace and preventing a peaceful solution for the Kurdish problem. We have already called for stopping the military operations and extending the ceasefire. We once again propose dialog and negotiation.“ added IHD press release.
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IHD says 'bombs target peace'
Human Rights Association of Turkey IHD denounced the suicide attack in Istanbul. In its press release IHD headquarters stated that they consider peace as a human rights and reminded their call three days ago for the extension of the ceasefire.
IHD further said that the attack realised by unknown persons causes casualties and IHD have sympathy for the victims. “Bombs are targeting the peace and preventing a peaceful solution for the Kurdish problem. We have already called for stopping the military operations and extending the ceasefire. We once again propose dialog and negotiation.“ added IHD press release.
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Saturday, October 30, 2010
KCK Defendant Dicle Sent to Jail
Friday, October 29 2010
Erol ÖNDEROÐLU- A Diyarbakýr court handed down a 1 year 8 months prison sentence to former DEP deputy Dicle on the grounds of praising imprisoned PKK leader Öcalan. Lawyer Laçin stated to file an appeal since Dicle is tried in the scope of the KCK trial under the same allegations.
The Diyarbakýr 4th High Criminal Court sentenced Kurdish Politician Hatip Dicle to imprisonment of one year and eight months by reason of praising Abdullah Öcalan, imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Wokers Party (PKK). Dicle is a former deputy of the dissolved Democracy Party (DEP) and the former Co-Chair of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK).
The court convicted Dicle under article 7/2 of the Anti-Terror Law (TMY) on "spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization". He is one of the defendants tried in the scope of the case on the Democratic Confederation of Kurdistan (KCK) Turkey Assembly. The KCK is the umbrella organization that includes the PKK.
Lawyer Laçin: One action does not justify two cases
The court on subject had decided to merge the file with the KCK case currently tried at the Diyarbakýr 6th High Criminal Court but the latter court dismissed the request. Thereupon, the 4th High Criminal Court carried on with the prosecution.
Defendant Dicle was represented by his lawyer Feride Laçin in the hearing on Thursday (28 October).
In an interview with bianet, Laçin explained that her client is being tried in the scope of the KCK case anyways on the grounds of his opinion on the Kurdish question voiced in front of his electorate in Bingöl (south-eastern Turkey) in 2009 and because of other actions from the past. "We think it is a breach of law to prosecute a defendant over the same activities in two separate cases. We will appeal as soon as the reasoned decision will have been issued". (EÖ/VK)
Erol ÖNDEROÐLU- A Diyarbakýr court handed down a 1 year 8 months prison sentence to former DEP deputy Dicle on the grounds of praising imprisoned PKK leader Öcalan. Lawyer Laçin stated to file an appeal since Dicle is tried in the scope of the KCK trial under the same allegations.
The Diyarbakýr 4th High Criminal Court sentenced Kurdish Politician Hatip Dicle to imprisonment of one year and eight months by reason of praising Abdullah Öcalan, imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Wokers Party (PKK). Dicle is a former deputy of the dissolved Democracy Party (DEP) and the former Co-Chair of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK).
The court convicted Dicle under article 7/2 of the Anti-Terror Law (TMY) on "spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization". He is one of the defendants tried in the scope of the case on the Democratic Confederation of Kurdistan (KCK) Turkey Assembly. The KCK is the umbrella organization that includes the PKK.
Lawyer Laçin: One action does not justify two cases
The court on subject had decided to merge the file with the KCK case currently tried at the Diyarbakýr 6th High Criminal Court but the latter court dismissed the request. Thereupon, the 4th High Criminal Court carried on with the prosecution.
Defendant Dicle was represented by his lawyer Feride Laçin in the hearing on Thursday (28 October).
In an interview with bianet, Laçin explained that her client is being tried in the scope of the KCK case anyways on the grounds of his opinion on the Kurdish question voiced in front of his electorate in Bingöl (south-eastern Turkey) in 2009 and because of other actions from the past. "We think it is a breach of law to prosecute a defendant over the same activities in two separate cases. We will appeal as soon as the reasoned decision will have been issued". (EÖ/VK)
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