Category: Press Releases

Kayyım Appointments in Turkey

Posted on By hugo dersim

The appointment of trustees in place of elected Kurdish mayors in Turkey highlights the government’s ongoing hostility towards the Kurdish population. Despite discussions aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue through democratic means, the Turkish state continues to employ heavy-handed tactics, including military strikes on civilian infrastructure in Northeast Syria and Iraq, while simultaneously undermining Kurdish political representation domestically. Recent actions, such as the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer and the removal of mayors from Mardin and Batman, exemplify a broader strategy to consolidate power and suppress dissent by criminalizing Kurdish institutions and leaders under the pretext of combating terrorism. This pattern of governance raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and human rights in Turkey.

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Human Rights, Press Releases, Turkey

Report on freedom of expression – Turkey

Posted on By hugo dersim

Since the 1990s, there has been continuous pressure on Kurdish media and press in Turkey. Regardless of changes in governments, the free expression of Kurds has been deemed a crime. Anti-terror laws, particularly Articles 7 and 8, have been included to restrict free expression. The AKP-MHP administration, especially after the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, used anti-terror laws as a shield against criticisms of the government and its institutions. The laws were employed as tools to silence all opposing segments under the guise of “combating terrorism.” United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression David Kaye visited Turkey between November 16-18, 2016.

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Human Rights, Press Releases, Turkey

URGENT APPEAL OF THE PEOPLES’ EQUALITY AND DEMOCRACY PARTY (DEM PARTY)

Posted on By hugo dersim

CONCERNING THE UNLAWFUL VERDICTS IN THE KOBANÊ CASE

17 MAY 2024

In October 2014, as the so-called “Islamic State” (ISIS) was about to take over the city of Kobanê, massive democratic demonstrations broke out around the world, including in many Turkish cities. During these demonstrations, 46 civilians, including 34 members and supporters of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), were killed by pro-ISIS groups, with the provocation of the Turkish security forces.

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Human Rights, Press Releases, Turkey