EUTCC statement - Mass arrests in Turkey

26. December, 2009

Press Release: For immediate release

EUTCC STATEMENT

It is with the deepest disappointment that we note the recent systematic and antidemocratic arrests of more than 80 persons including 9 democratically elected Mayors in Turkey’s southeastern provinces. These deplorable acts follow upon the heals of Turkey’s banning of the DTP earlier this month and call into question the sincerity of the supposed Kurdish Opening and Democratic Initiative that held so much promise just weeks ago. Instead these latest acts merely deepen the escalating crisis and will serve to provoke disillusionment and even violence. Thus we appeal to the Turkish authorities to recognize and respect the political will of their ethnic Kurdish population by recognizing and negotiating with their democratically elected representatives rather than imprisoning them.

The EUTCC strongly condemns Turkey’s dangerous political actions towards the Kurds which will pave the way for more violence and political unrest.

Kariane Westrheim, PhD, Chair of EUTCC

Professor Michael Gunter, Secretary General EUTCC

Hans Branscheidt, Board of Directors