EUTCC Statement on the Continuing Trial of Leading Kurdish Activists in Turkey

29. January, 2011
Press Release: For immediate release

EUTCC STATEMENT ON THE CONTINUING TRIAL OF LEADING KURDISH ACTIVISTS IN TURKEY

The ongoing trial of 151 high profile and leading Kurdish politicians and activists in Turkey accused of having links to the PKK, continues. They risk jail terms from five years to life in jail on various charges.
The accused include several elected mayors and former mayors, elected members of regional assemblies, journalists, and human rights spokespersons. The accused are not allowed to defend themselves in their own Kurdish language, a clear denial of the European Convention on Human Rights and even Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s call to allow Kurdish to be used.
The detention of Kurdish politicians and activists has a negative impact on a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question. This act is not compatible with democratic and international law norms.

The EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC) calls upon the Turkish government to implement the rights of the Kurdish people and thus of all Turkish citizens.
Kariane Westrheim, PhD, Chair of EUTCC, Bergen – Norway
Hans Branscheidt – Board of Directors EUTCC, Frankfurt - Germany
Professor Michel Gunter, Secretary General, EUTCC, Tennessee, USA 

Contact: Kariane Westrheim - Menneskerettighetenes plass 1 - 5007 Bergen, Norway. Telephone: +47 976 42 088 - (www.eutcc.org)