Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

29 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/316) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 28, 2020 that, 3 militants died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Yüksekova district of Hakkari on July 19, 2020.

(07/317) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 28, 2020 that, Önder Poyraz, an ill-prisoner in Şırnak T Type Prison was being kept in a solitary cell and his medication was not given regularly.

(07/318) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1358 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 28, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/319) Detained ESP Co-Chair, SKM Spokesperson and Other People in Balıkesir…

Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) co-chair Özlem Gümüştaş, Socialist Women’s Assemblies (SKM) spokesperson Hatice Deniz Aktaş, and SKM executive board members Çiçek Otlu, Ebru Yiğit, Satiye Ok, Züleyha Mangan, Ezgi Bahçeci, Tanya Kara and Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Edremit district co-chair Sevgi Özdem who were detained in a house raid in Edremit district of Balıkesir on July 26, 2020, are released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 28, 2020.

(07/320) People on Trial in Tunceli…

The trial of the case against 3 people (Dersim Konak, Bülent Yılmaz and Hayati Güngören) is held at Tunceli Heavy Penal Court on July 28, 2020. 3 people were detained through an investigation against Socialist Assemblies Federation on August 22, 2017 and were arrested.

3 people joined the trial via sound and vision system from prisons. The court decided to continue detention of 3 people and adjourned the trial to November 17, 2020.

(07/321) Ban of Events in Hatay and Adıyaman…

Hatay Governorate made a declaration on July 28, 2020 and announced that, demonstrations, press declarations, open-door meetings, protests, concerts, festivals, meetings, opening tents and stands, hunger strikes, commemorations, delivering leaflets, hanging banners and so on are banned for 3 days as of 00.01 on July 28, 2020.

Adıyaman Governorate made a declaration on July 27, 2020 and announced that, demonstrations, meetings, press declarations, open-door meetings, protests and so on are banned for 3 days as of 00.01 on July 28, 2020.

(07/322) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On July 28, 2020, 41 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 23 cities through an Istanbul based investigation on Turkish Armed Forces personnel.

(07/323) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 15 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 963 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 28, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,645 and total number of confirmed cases is 227,982 as of July 28, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

28 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/307) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 27, 2020 that, 1 militant died in a clash between Turkish Armed Forces units and HPG militants in Avasin area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on July 1, 2020.

It is claimed in the news coverage of July 27, 2020 that, 2 civilian people (Omer Keşanî and Ebdullah Ehmed) died in the air bombardment reported to be of Turkish Armed Forces to Amediye area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government.

(07/308) Soldiers and Other People Died in Mersin…

It is learned that 6 people including 4 soldiers and 2 drivers died and 10 soldiers got injured due to roll-over into a ditch of a bus carrying soldiers in Mut district of Mersin on July 27, 2020.

(07/309) Testimonies on Allegations of Torture Under Custody in Ankara After July 15 Coup Attempt…

Erhan Doğan, a history teacher who was detained on July 24, 2016 in Ankara, following the coup attempt on July 15 that year; has statements on torture and ill-treatment that he was subjected to under custody which are covered in news reports on July 27, 2020: “When I and other colleagues were taken to Anti-Terror Department, a police chief said ‘police officers, move away’. When the police officers moved away, they started to beat us with kicks and punches. They asked the principal of the private teaching institution and when I said that was me, they took me out of others and got in a dark corridor. (…) They took me sports hall. It was a big, closed sports complex. They made everybody wore orange t-shirts in the sports hall. There were numerous people in rows, handcuffed behind their backs and faced towards the walls. (…) There were blood marks on the walls at the level of an average human height. Later I learned that these marks were of the torture they committed against soldiers before they got us there. (…) They were reading out names and taking the specific person with the specific name read out to another place with sections. There was the torture. They took me there the first night. (…) They were beating me, pulling my hair and hitting me to the wall, they stripped me down to my underwear, and then beat me with clubs after pouring water on me. But the scariest ones were the squad that came at nights. There was a squad coming there around 11 p.m. or at midnight and leaving there at 4 a.m. in the next morning. The torture they committed was unbearable. They put me in strappado for 2 and a half hours, arms tied behind and hanged to top. When they put me back to the ground, I thought that all my bones were broken. I could not walk. (…) One time, while I was answering a question they asked, a heavy strike hit me from one side of my knee. My whole body was shaken with pain. I heard a sudden noise, like crash. I found out after being released that my cruciate ligaments were tore. Three of my teeth and eyeglasses were broken under torture. (…) I have had lost concept of time but probably around 11 p.m. on July 28, my name was read out. I was taken to this sectioned place. Sections were open there. While the police officers were beating me there, I saw three young women with headscarves being taken in front of the section. They were on their twenties. They put them into the next section and started to torture them. The girls were screaming. They were torturing me at that time but I was almost neglecting it. They were cursing the girls and telling them that they were rape them. The girls were begging, ‘please do not rape us’. I understood from the noises afterwards and from crying of the girls that they raped them. It took about 45 minutes. (…) There was a room at the entrance of the sports hall. At the back of the room, at about three meters away, there was a female doctor at a desk. They were putting us into the room but the doctor was not coming near to us. They put me in the room for medical examination. The doctor asked ‘are you okay?’, it was not difficult to see that I was tortured since I was in blood so I answered, ‘Can’t you see?’. The police officers with me said to the doctor ‘we will be back’ and took me out of the room. They beat me once again. They said, ‘you will not talk there, we will’. We went back to that room. Doctor asked again, ‘are you okay?’, and a police officer near me answered, ‘he is in perfect health’”.

Musa Kılıçaslan, former member of Gendarmerie Special Operations unit who was detained on July 16, 2016, gave his testimony and defence at the trial of the case against him at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 23 on December 1, 2019. His testimony was covered by the news reports on July 26, 2020 and he states the following on torture and ill-treatment that he was subjected to at Ankara Security Directorate: “I was detained in the morning of July 16, with gunstocks electroshocks hitting me. When I regained consciousness, I saw that people around were in their underwear and were being taken in busses. After being taken to a bus, I was subjected to lynch with paving stones and bars at the C Gate (of Gendarmerie General Command). (…) A police officer in the bus told us that a group of 300 police officers were standing like a corridor and waiting us at Ankara Security Directorate. We got off the bus with handcuffs behind our backs and in our underwear, only underpants. We went through that police corridor one by one, subjected to kicks, punches, and hit by clubs. I was hit at the head, ribcage, inguinal region and right leg. (…) When I opened my eyes in a half conscious condition, I was at the sports hall of Anti-Terror Department. The ones outside were shooting at the windows of the sports hall, and they were telling that they would come in and kill us. (…) Several soldiers came to the officer on duty and asked to go the bathroom. The officer said, ‘go and do it over next to the wall’. The soldiers said ‘there are people over there, they would be covered in urine if we do so’. But they had to come next to the wall and urinate there, we were lying on the ground at that moment and all over us were covered with urine. Our hands, faces, all over our bodies were covered with blood and urine. (…) The door opened and a person with police vest came in, introducing himself as Azrael. He told us to bend on our knees with our faces towards the walls. (…) I could not stand on my knees. This person, names himself as Azrael, came to me. He had dozens of plastic handcuffs like a whip in his hand, and was hitting me with it while saying ‘I said bend on knees’. (…) I do not recall how many days were over, 3 or 4 people took me to the infirmary. The doctor examined me there and said ‘Nothing to worry about. Your ribs are broken, and you might have had a brain trauma. The prosthesis in your leg might have been removed that is why you cannot move your leg. I will refer you to the hospital’. (…) They referred me to the hospital and the doctor over there said ‘We should immediately intervene this’. The police implicitly threatened the doctor, saying ‘he is a traitor, it would give you some trouble to do so’. (…) The doctor who have just mentioned immediate intervention changed his mind suddenly and they took me back to the infirmary in a stretcher. (…) That evening, they took a woman in pyjamas. (…) They beat this female army officer. (…) A police officer whose name was said to be Süleyman (…) came close to her ear and said ‘I will take you down soon. We will go over you there’ while he was hitting at the same time. (…) That police officer came in one day, he hurt his right hand. A female police officer asked him how he did so, and he said ‘I was beating someone, when I hit at the chin the cheekbone was broken and my right hand was hurt’. (…) A civilian employee of the Prime Minister’s Office were taken there. The police officer who took him in, said that he was ‘Fuat Avni’. They took this person into the torture room. They tortured him until the next morning. I still hear his screams. They took him in the next morning and threw into the middle of the place. (…) The doctor looked at him and said ‘he could have internal bleeding; we should refer him to the hospital’. They referred him to the hospital. Another police officer came and ‘He was not Fuat Avni’, he said.”

(07/310) Death Fast in Prison…

On July 27, 2020 Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 37 approved the request for lawyers Ebru Timtik (Silivri Prison No 9, 208 days) and Aytaç Ünsal (Burhaniye T Type Prison, 177 days) who are on death fast, and decided to refer them to the Forensic Medicine Institution for examination in order to determine if their medical conditions are proper to be kept in prison.

(07/311) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1357 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 27, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/312) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the protest in front of Çankaya Public Health Directorate on July 27, 2020, who rally to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees, and forced 1 person (Mahmut Konuk) away from the building by using physical violence.

(07/313) Ban of Events in Denizli, Antep, Sinop and Adana…

Denizli Governorate made a declaration on July 27, 2020 and announced that, demonstrations, press declarations, open-door meetings, sit-ins, opening stands, hunger strikes, delivering leaflets, hanging banners and so on are banned for 15 days as of 00.01 on July 27, 2020.

Antep Governorate made a declaration on July 27, 2020 and announced that, demonstrations, press declarations, open-door meetings, protests, concerts, festivals, meetings, opening tents and stands, hunger strikes, commemorations, delivering leaflets, hanging banners and so on are banned for 7 days as of 00.01 on July 27, 2020.

Sinop Governorate made a declaration on July 27, 2020 and announced that, demonstrations, meetings, press declarations, open-door meetings, protests and so on are banned for 7 days as of 00.01 on July 28, 2020.

Adana Governorate made a declaration on July 27, 2020 and announced that, demonstrations, press declarations, open-door and indoor meetings, sit-in protests, hunger strikes and so on are banned for 3 days as of 00.01 on July 28, 2020.

(07/314) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

The final trial of the case against Mehmet Serdar Özdemirci, adjutant of former general Akın Öztürk, is held at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 13 on July 27, 2020. The court sentenced the defendant to 6 years and 3 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’.

(07/315) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 17 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 919 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 27, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,630 and total number of confirmed cases is 227,019 as of July 27, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

25 – 27 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/284) Civilian Person Died in Mardin…

It is learned that a person named Yılmaz Demir (48) is found dead due to being shot by firearm, in rural areas of Düzce village of Nusaybin district of Mardin on July 26, 2020. It is learned from the news coverage of July 27, 2020 that HPG takes the responsibility of death of Yılmaz Demir.

(07/285) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 24, 2020 that, 1 militant died in a clash between Turkish Armed Forces units and HPG militants in Haftanin area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on July 23, 2020; and 3 HPG militants died in an air operation of Turkish Armed Forces to the same area on July 10, 2020.

Ministry of National Defence declared that 1 soldier (Ali Konukçu) died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Dörtyol district of Hatay on July 25, 2020.

It is learned from the news coverage of July 26, 2020 that 2 HPG militants died in an air operation of Turkish Armed Forces to Haftanin area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on June 30, 2020.

(07/286) Asylum Seekers Died in Van…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 20, 2020 that the death toll raised up to 62 in the sinking boat in Van Lake on June 26, 2020.

(07/287) Person Subjected to Police Violence in Istanbul…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 25, 2020 that, a person named Nihat Izsiz and his friend, had a quarrel with police officers in a restaurant and were subjected to physical violence of the police. It is learned that 2 people got injured at their faces due to physical violence.

Nihat Izsiz stated the following: “I was with a friend and we were going to take my motorcycle to get repaired. But we first wanted to eat at a place. When we were eating at the restaurant a group of traffic police officers came to us and said ‘your motorcycle is too loud’. I said them that I was already taking it to get repaired. But they insulted us. Then a group of undercover police came to us. 4 or 5 of them attacked us by using pepper spray. They wanted to get me down on the ground and to handcuff me. I did not get on the ground and they forced me to do so, then they beat me and sprayed pepper gas to me while I was on the ground. They kicked me at the eye. I shouted ‘save me’ after they kicked me. Some of the shopkeepers intervened but the police officers did not listen to them. Then they took us to the police station where I was also beaten too. They kicked my friend at the head with gunstocks. He has 6 pieces of suture on his head”. 

(07/288) Hunger Strike in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 25, 2020 that, 2 prisoners (Bahattin Çelebi and İhsan Taşdelen) joined the indefinite hunger strike which was started by 3 prisoners (Bışar Bilen, Muhammed Fatih Bingöl and Ümit Temur) in Aksaray T Type Prison, to demand an end to be forced to stand in military order during roll-calls and other right violations.

(07/289) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 25, 2020 that, prisoners in Ağrı Patnos L Type Prison were not given drinking water, and tap water and food given to them were not hygienic.

It is learned from the news coverage of July 25, 2020 that, prisoners in Osmaniye T Type Prison No 2 were not given cleaning supplies to be protected from Covid-19 pandemic; and wardens do not wear face masks. It is also stated in the news reports that social and cultural rights of prisoners were being restricted and prisoners were not given Yeni Yaşam newspaper.

(07/290) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 25, 2020 that, prisoners in Osmaniye T Type Prison No 2 were not referred to hospitals, and at the prison infirmary they were given the same medication regardless of their complaints.

(07/291) Prevention of Saturday Mothers’ Protest in Istanbul…

Police obstructed all the streets around Galatasaray Square in Istanbul to prevent Saturday Mothers who rally every Saturday for 24 years in the same place to gather for the 800^th time on July 25, 2020. The police intervened the people who wanted to leave flowers to Galatasaray Square and detained 3 people (Hasan Karakoç, Maside Ocak and Yaşar Aktaş). Detained people are released on the same day.

(07/292) Police Intervention to a Protest in Çanakkale…

It is learned that 3 buses of people who were on their way to participate in the “Nature and Life Watch” against gold mining project at Mount Kaz in Çanakkale, were stopped by the gendarmerie in Eceabat district on July 25, 2020 and they were prevented from entering the city on the grounds of governorate’s ban. The gendarmerie intervened the group trying to enter the city and detained 9 people by using physical violence.

It is learned that the police intervened the group waiting in Çanakkale and detained 16 people by using physical violence. Detained people are: Serkan Kabak, Mehmet Öztürk, Deniz Öztürk, Melis Tantan, Ferzan Aktaş, Elif Başaran, Oruç Karacik, Guleda Erensoy, Alper Dönmez, Barış Ugan, İlke Bengü Çiçek, Kaan Meriç, Onur Uysal, Elaattin Demirbaş, Murat Bütüner, Rıdvan Yüce.

Detained people are released on July 26, 2020.

(07/293) Police Prevention to a Public Forum in Istanbul…

The police prevented, on the grounds of governorate’s ban, the public forum at Abbasağa Park in Beşiktaş district of Istanbul on July 26, 2020 which was organised by Women Are Strong Together Collective about Istanbul Convention (Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence). The forum was held nearby Beşiktaş Naval Museum upon prevention. After the forum was ended, the police detained 8 people by using physical violence. Detained people are released after statement procedures at the police on the same day. Detained people were: Labour Party Istanbul chair Sema Barbaros, Tuğçe Özçelik, Rüya Kurtuluş, Feride Eralp, Fulya Dağlı, Tülay Korkutan, Cewren Bak, Simla Sunay.

(07/294) Gendarmerie Intervention to a Protest in Manisa…

The gendarmerie intervened the people protesting the road construction for biogas plant project in Çapaklı rural neighbourhood of Salihli district of Manisa on July 24, 2020 and detained at least 6 people by using physical violence. Detained people are released on the same day.

(07/295) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1356 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 24, 25, and 26, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/296) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

On July 24, 2020, the police intervened the press declaration of Alev Şahin in order to regain her job from which she was dismissed by a state of emergency decree, in front of Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning in Ankara and forced her away from the building.

(07/297) Detained ESP Co-Chair, SKM Spokesperson and Other People in Balıkesir…

Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) co-chair Özlem Gümüştaş, Socialist Women’s Assemblies (SKM) spokesperson Hatice Deniz Aktaş, and SKM executive board members Çiçek Otlu, Ebru Yiğit, Satiye Ok, Züleyha Mangan, Ezgi Bahçeci, Tanya Kara and Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Edremit district co-chair Sevgi Özdem are detained in a house raid in Edremit district of Balıkesir on July 26, 2020. It is learned that detention period for 9 people is extended 4 more days.

(07/298) Detained HDP Member in Diyarbakır…

Vedat Dağ, HDP’s press consultant in Diyarbakır, who was detained at Diyarbakır Security Directorate on July 22, 2020, is released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 24, 2020.

(07/299) Detained Person for Social Media Posts in Tokat…

Ebubekir Savaşan, central district co-chair of Felicity Party (SP) in Tokat, is detained for his social media posts on July 26, 2020. Ebubekir Savaşan is released by the court on July 27, 2020.

(07/300) Suspended City Council Members in Van…

Ayşe Minaz, Berken Kızılboğa, Münir Mavis, city council members from HDP in Tuşba district of Van are suspended by Ministry of Interior on July 25, 2020. It is learned from the news reports that trustees were appointed for suspended city council members.

(07/301) Ban of Event in Istanbul…

Istanbul Governorate banned the public forum at Abbasağa Park in Beşiktaş district of Istanbul on July 26, 2020 which was organised by women organisations about Istanbul Convention (Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence).

(07/302) Ban of Event in Izmir…

It is learned that the event for anniversary of Treaty of Lausanne, to held in Izmir on July 24, 2020 is banned by Izmir Governorate on the grounds that it “would cause disintegration and disorder among public”.

(07/303) Ban of Events in Antalya, Mersin and Çanakkale…

Antalya Governorate made a declaration on July 23, 2020 and announced that, all open and indoor events such as demonstrations, press declarations, meetings, sit-ins, hunger strikes, commemorations, opening stands and tents, festivals, concerts, delivering leaflets and so on are banned for 10 days as of 00.01 on July 23, 2020.

Mersin Governorate made a declaration on July 24, 2020 and announced that, all open and indoor events such as demonstrations, press declarations, meetings, sit-ins, hunger strikes, commemorations, opening stands and tents, festivals, concerts, delivering leaflets and so on are banned for 5 days as of 00.01 on July 24, 2020.

Çanakkale Governorate made a declaration on July 25, 2020 and announced that, demonstrations, press declarations, opening stands and tents and so on are banned for 7 days as of 00.01 on July 25, 2020.

(07/304) Ban of Access to Web Contents…

It is learned that a news report on https://www.sozcu.com.tr/, https://www.t24.com.tr/ https://odatv4.com/ and https://www.toplumsal.com.tr/ is banned to access by Ankara Penal Court of Peace No 8 on July 24, 2020.

It is learned that 19 web addresses which publish the news reports on murder of Fatma Altınmakas, are banned to access by Muş Malazgirt Penal Court of Peace on July 24, 2020.

(07/305) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On July 24, 2020, 19 people including former police officers who were dismissed by state of emergency decrees, are detained in operations covering 5 cities through an Ankara based investigation.

(07/306) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 17 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 937 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 24, 2020.

Ministry of Health declared that 16 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 921 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 25, 2020.

Ministry of Health declared that 17 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 927 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 26, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,613 and total number of confirmed cases is 226,100 as of July 26, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

24 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/271) Person Subjected to Physical Violence of the Police in Istanbul…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 23, 2020 that, a person named Serdar Turgut was subjected to physical violence of the police in Beyoğlu district of Istanbul on July 7, 2020. It is stated in the news reports that two undercover police officers came to Serdar Turgut while he was selling street food with his mobile stall and asked him to show his ID card; and then they took his stall; Serdar Turgut was followed by police officers when he moved away from that point and he was subjected to physical violence of the police officers. It could be seen from the footage of a surveillance camera that a police officer forces Serdar Turgut to lay down on the ground while another officer kicks him at the face. It is learned that the police intervened people around the scene. It is learned that another person, Muhittin Kaya was subjected to physical violence of the police for he was recording police violence with his phone, and that he was detained. It is reported that Muhittin Kaya was forced to delete the video on his phone at the police station.

Serdar Turgut stated the following: “One of them tied my hands behind my back while the other one was kicking and punching my face. People at the park reacted against the police and one police officer said ‘I am the chief, I am the judge here. I rule everything here’. Then many other police officers came”.

Muhittin Kaya states the following: “I started to record a video. The guy was on the ground and the police was hitting at his head. One of them clamped his head with his arm, and another police officer were hitting him with his helmet. I was recording everything. A watchman noticed me. He directly handcuffed me behind my back and forced me to lay down on the ground. He dragged me to where the others were and continued to hit me on the ground. They detained me. They wanted to get my phone at the station. I said that it was not legal but five police officers surrounded me and they forced me to delete the video recording”.

(07/272) Asylum Seekers Subjected to Torture and Ill-Treatment at Gendarmerie Station in Van…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 23, 2020 that Khales Arsan, an Iranian citizen who was alleged to illegally cross from Iran to Turkey through a village of Çaldıran district of Van on July 19, 2020 and who was went missing since then, was kept under custody in border post. The name of mentioned village and the name of border post is not stated in the news reports. It is claimed in the news reports that Khales Arsan was subjected to torture and ill-treatment under custody at the border post. It is also stated in the news reports that 19 other asylum seekers who were under custody at the same border post were also subjected to torture and ill-treatment and 20 people were left at Iranian border after being kept at the post for 3 days.

Khales Arsan states the following: “There were 19 asylum seekers at the station I was taken to (…) A gendarmerie commander and 6 soldiers beat us with clubs, hammers and iron bars at the station. They were taking one of us to beat each time. They tortured us like this for 3 days”.

(07/273) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 23, 2020 that, Fatma Özbay, an ill prisoner with cancer, in Izmir Şakran Prison, was being kept in solitary cell and her medication was not given to her.

(07/274) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1353 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 23, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/275) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Düzce…

On July 23, 2020, the police intervened the press declaration of Alev Şahin in order to regain her job from which she was dismissed by a state of emergency decree, in front of Düzce Governorate and detained her. Alev Şahin was released on the same day.

(07/276) Detained City Council Member in Urfa…

Sema Aişeoğlu, city council member from Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in Bozova district of Urfa, who was detained on July 22, 2020 is released by the court on July 23, 2020.

(07/277) Investigation Against Community Houses Chair…

It is learned that an investigation was initiated against Berivan Bila, chair of Community House in Sarıgazi district of Istanbul, for her social media posts and Berivan Bila gave her official statement at Istanbul Court House Press Offences Department on July 23, 2020.

(07/278) Ban of Events in Hatay…

Hatay Governorate made a declaration on July 23, 2020 and announced that, all open and indoor events such as demonstrations, press declarations, meetings, sit-ins, opening stands and tents, festivals, concerts, delivering leaflets and so on are banned as of 00.01 on July 24, 2020 until 23.59 on July 26, 2020.

(07/280) Ban of Access to Web Contents…

It is learned that a news report about Minister of Finance and Treasury, on https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/ and https://gazetemanifesto.com/ websites is banned to access by Istanbul Penal Court of Peace No 7 on July 22, 2020.

(07/282) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On July 23, 2020, 14 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 12 cities through an Ankara based investigation against Gendarmerie General Command personnel.

(07/283) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 18 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 913 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 23, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,563 and total number of confirmed cases is 223,315 as of July 23, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

23 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/261) Operations and Attacks…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 22, 2020 that, 1 militant died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Siirt on July 19, 2020.

(07/262) Children Subjected to Police Violence in Bursa…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 22, 2020 that, the police committed violence against 4 children in a car that is stopped in Yıldırım district of Bursa. It is stated in the news reports that the police stopped the car because of being driven by a child; stepped on the back of a child who was then forced to lay down on the ground and slapped another child.

(07/263) Police Intervention to a Protest in Bursa…

The gendarmerie intervened the group blocking the village road of Kirazlıyayla rural neighbourhood of Yenişehir district of Bursa, to protest usage of the village road for transportation to Zinc-Lead-Copper Enrichment Plant and Tailings Dam Project, on July 22, 2020 and detained 12 people. Detained people are released on the same day.

Detained people are: Feride Kara, Raife Eren, Fatma Karasu, Muazzez Çakır, Sevgi Kakaç, Yüksel Kenar, Hatice Güler, Fatma Sakız, Emine Toy and Emine Uçar.

(07/264) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1352 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 22, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/265) Police Intervention to a Commemoration in Istanbul…

49 people who were detained in police intervention to the commemoration held in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on July 20, 2020, for 33 people who lost their lives in the bombing attack in Suruç district of Urfa on July 20, 2015; are released by the court with a ban on leaving the country on July 22, 2020.

(07/266) Detained Co-Mayor in Batman…

Batman co-mayor Mehmet Demir who was detained on July 21, 2020, while he was leaving Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) office in Batman, through an investigation against Democratic Society Congress (DTK); is arrested by the court on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ on July 22, 2020. Mehmet Demir was suspended by Ministry of Interior and a trustee was appointed to Batman.

(07/267) Detained City Council Member in Urfa…

Sema Aişeoğlu, city council member from HDP in Bozova district of Urfa, is detained through the investigation against DTK, at Urfa Security Directorate where she went to give her official statement on July 22, 2020.

(07/268) Detained HDP Member in Diyarbakır…

It is learned that Vedat Dağ, HDP’s press consultant in Diyarbakır, is detained at Diyarbakır Security Directorate where he went to give his official statement as he was “asked for information” on July 22, 2020.

(07/269) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On July 22, 2020, 21 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 13 cities through an Ankara based investigation; and 12 people including military members on active duty are detained in Antep.

(07/270) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 19 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 902 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 22, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,545 and total number of confirmed cases is 222,402 as of July 22, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

22 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/249) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 22, 2020 that 1 militant died in a clash between Turkish Armed Forces units and HPG militants in Haftanin area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government.

(07/250) Kurdish Workers Subjected to Racist Group’s Attack in Yozgat…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 21, 2020 that, Kurdish workers who went to Çekerek district of Yozgat for forest work, were subjected to attack of a racist group including local authorities, for they reject to pay them “head tax”. It is reported that Çekerek Sub-governorate sent Kurdish workers out of the district with gendarmerie, on the grounds that they “would not guarantee security of their lives”.

(07/251) Police Intervention to a Protest in Izmir…

The police intervened women marching after the press declaration of “Women Are Strong Together” platform in Alsancak, Izmir, on July 21, 2020; to protest killing of a woman, Pınar Gültekin, by a man, Cemal Metin Avcı, in Muğla. The police detained 12 people by using physical violence. 

It is learned that detained people got medical reports evidencing the torture and ill-treatment and will file criminal complaints about it.

Detained 12 people are released after statement procedures at the police on the same day.

Deniz Uslu, one of detainees, stated the following on torture and ill-treatment that they were subjected to: “We were forcibly detained by the police. They pulled our friends’’ hair. They kicked us, squeezed our arms and throats. They insulted and cursed us. Police officers said ‘You would be on the ground if we had been ill-minded against you’, while they were putting us in the detention car. They took cell phone of a friend while they were taking her in the car. Some of them sexually abused us by touching. Some of them held our breasts, legs and pushed us on purpose. They kept beating us in the car”.

Detained people were: Deniz Anur, Deniz Uslu, Emine Akbaba, Gizem Coşkun, Ayla Altıntaş, Rengin Oğuz, Meryem Yıldırım, Elif Yerlikaya, Pınar Usta, Zehra Akbıyık, Arzu Sert and Zühal Ser.

(07/252) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1351 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 21, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/253) Detained Co-Mayor in Batman…

Batman co-mayor Mehmet Demir is detained on July 21, 2020, while he was leaving Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) office in Batman. It is learned that Mehmet Demir is detained through an investigation against Democratic Society Congress (DTK). Mehmet Demir was suspended by Ministry of Interior and a trustee was appointed to Batman.

(07/254) Arrested Union Executive in Diyarbakır…

Recep Oruç, former Diyarbakır branch chair of Health and Social Services Employees Union (SES), gave his official statement through an investigation against Democratic Society Congress (DTK), at Diyarbakır Prosecutor’s Office and is arrested by the court on duty on the same day.

(07/255) Penalty Fine to Lawyers for Participating in Protests in Batman…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 21, 2020 that, 29 lawyers from Batman Bar Association are sentenced to penalty fine of 900 Turkish Liras for violating social distancing rule during press declarations held on June 23, and July 7, 2020, to protest the law on bar associations, which was then amended by Grand National Assembly. It is stated in the news reports that a total of 31,500 Turkish Liras is given to lawyers and 6 lawyers were sentenced to pay 2 times for 2 press declarations.

(07/256) Journalist and Political Party Executives on Trial in Ağrı…

The first trial of the case against 5 people, including journalist Aziz Oruç and HDP Doğubayazıt district co-chair Abdullah Ekelek, is held at Ağrı Heavy Penal Court No 2 on July 21, 2020.

Aziz Oruç, İkram Müftüoğlu and Abdullah Ekelek joined the trial via sound and vision system from prison. Other 2 defendants attended the trial.

After defence hearings the court decided to release Abdullah Ekelek and İkram Müftüoğlu on judicial control conditions; and to continue detention of Aziz Oruç, and adjourned the trial to September 21, 2020.

Aziz Oruç and Abdullah Ekelek were detained on December 11, 2019, on Ağrı-Doğubayazıt roadway, while İkram Müftüoğlu was detained on the same day in a house raid. Abdullah Ekelek and İkram Müftüoğlu were arrested on December 13, 2019; Aziz Oruç was arrested on December 18, 2019.

(07/257) Union Executives and Members on Trial in Diyarbakır…

The final trial of the case against 32 members and executives of Confederation of Public Employees Trade Unions (KESK), for a press declaration held on July 17, 2017, for dismissals of public employees by state of emergency decrees, is held at Diyarbakır Penal Court of First Instance No 10 on July 21, 2020.

The court sentenced 32 people to 1 year and 6 months each for violating the Law on Demonstrations and Meetings No 2911. The court did not defer the announcement of the verdict and did not suspend the sentences.

Members and executives of KESK on trial are: Abbas Aslan,  Abdülbaki Öndeş, Ali Osman Telek, Anıl Aslan, Bahar Yıldırım, Bedirhan Çetinkaya, Eray Erdem, Erhan Keskin, Eser Bulut, Fatma Kılıç, Fatma Yıldızhan, Fırat Akdeniz, Gülhan Tekin,  Gültekin Aydeniz,  Hasbiye Sol, Hatice Efe, Hüseyin Kaya, Mahmut Ortaç,  Mehmet Karakaş, Mehmet Nur Ulus, Orhan Baylan, Recep Oruç, Recep Şimşek, Rengin Boltan, Rozerin Çatak, Siraç Çelik, Süleyman Bülbül, Şemsettin Ayçiçek, Ümit Çetiner, Zeki Kanay, Zelal Bilgin and Zülküf Güneş.

(07/258) Ban of Events in Van…

Van Governorate made a declaration on July 21, 2020 and announced that, all open and indoor events such as demonstrations, press declarations, meetings, sit-ins, opening stands and tents, festivals, concerts, delivering leaflets and so on are banned for 15 days as of July 22, 2020. All events are banned in Van for 1354 days since November 21, 2016.

(07/259) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On July 21, 2020, 12 people are detained in operations covering 10 cities through an Ankara based investigation; and 6 people are detained in operations covering 6 cities through a Konya based investigation.

(07/260) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 18 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 928 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 21, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,526 and total number of confirmed cases is 221,500 as of July 21, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

21 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/238) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

Ministry of National Defence declared that 2 soldiers died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Çukurca district of Hakkari on July 20, 2020.

It is learned from the news coverage of July 18, 2020 that, 3 militants died in a clash between Turkish Armed Forces units and HPG militants in Haftanin area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on June 25, 2020.

It is learned from the news coverage of July 19, 2020 that 1 militant died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Şırnak on July 13, 2020.

(07/239) Asylum Seekers Died in Van…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 20, 2020 that the death toll raised up to 60 in the sinking boat in Van Lake on June 26, 2020.

(07/240) Hunger Strike in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 20, 2020 that, 3 prisoners (Bışar Bilen, Mehmet Fatih Bingöl and Ümit Temur) in Aksaray T Type Prison, started an indefinite hunger strike to demand not to be forced to stand in military order during roll-calls.

(07/241) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 20, 2020 that, letters of Didem Akman, who is on hunger strike to demand an end to right violations in Izmir Şakran Women’s Prison, addressed to her family, are not sent by prison administration on the grounds of ‘containing propaganda for an illegal organisation’.

(07/242) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under Custody in Istanbul…

Lawyers Gökhan Soysal and Ezgi Önalan, who went to Kadıköy Iskele Police Station to meet the people who were detained in police intervention against the commemoration for Suruç massacre, held in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on July 20, 2020; are detained by physical violence while they demanded to meet detainees.

It is learned that Ezgi Önalan was handcuffed behind her back although she introduced herself as lawyer, and she was injured at face due to physical violence she was subjected to.

It is reported that Gökhan Soysal was forced to face down on the ground and he was stepped on the neck.

(07/243) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened members of TAYAD (Solidarity Association of Families of Prisoners) who march to the Supreme Court in Ankara on July 20, 2020; to submit petitions for demands of lawyers Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal. Ebru Timtik is on a death fast for 201 days in Silivri Prison No 9 and Aytaç Ünsal is on a death fast for 170 days in Burhaniye T Type Prison to demand a fair trial. The police detained 5 people by using physical violence.

(07/244) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1350 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 20, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/245) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the protest in front of Çankaya Public Health Directorate on July 20, 2020, who rally to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees, and forced 1 person (Mahmut Konuk) away from the building by using physical violence.

(07/246) Police Intervention to Commemorations in Urfa, Rize, Istanbul and Ankara…

The police intervened the commemoration on July 20, 2020, in Suruç district of Urfa, where 33 people lost their lives in a bombing attack on July 20, 2015. It is learned that nobody was detained while the police tore off the photographs of those who were killed in the bombing attack, and seized the banner that read “Justice for Suruç”. It is reported that another commemoration at Suruç Family Cemetery on the same day was also prevented by the police, and a press declaration and a sit-in protest were held in front of the cemetery upon prevention.

The police prevented the press declaration for the same cause in Fındıklı district of Rize on July 20, 2020. It is learned that nobody was detained.

42 people who were detained in police intervention against the commemoration of Suruç Families Initiative on July 20, 2020 in Güvenpark, Ankara, are released after statement procedures at the police on the same day.

4 of 55 people who were detained in police intervention against the commemoration in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on July 20, 2020; are released after statement procedures at the police on July 21, 2020. It is learned that 51 people were referred to the prosecutor’s office.

(07/247) Ban of Events in Hakkari…

Hakkari Governorate made a declaration on July 20, 2020 and banned all open door meetings, demonstrations, sit-in protests, hunger strikes, opening tents and stands, press declarations, concerts, festivals, distributing leaflets, hanging banners and so on as of July 20, 2020 until August 3, 2020.

(07/248) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 17 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 931 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 20, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,508 and total number of confirmed cases is 220,572 as of July 20, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

18 – 20 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/212) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned that 1 soldier (Alper Yaman) who had a heart attack during an operation in Hani district of Diyarbakır died on July 18, 2020.

It is learned that 2 soldiers and 1 village guard got wounded due to an explosion during passage of a military vehicle near Beyyurdu village of Şemdinli district of Hakkari on July 18, 2020.

It is learned from the news coverage of July 18, 2020 that, 3 militants died in a clash between Turkish Armed Forces units and HPG militants in Haftanin area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on June 25, 2020.

It is learned from the news coverage of July 19, 2020 that 1 HPG militant died in a clash in rural areas of Şırnak on July 13, 2020.

(07/213) Child Got Wounded Due to Fire Opened by Soldiers in Van…

On July 17, 2020, A. B., a 15 years old child who got wounded due to fire opened by soldiers while he was grazing sheep in Yukarı Çilli neighbourhood of Çaldıran district of Van on July 16, 2020, is taken out of intensive care unit at Yüzüncü Yıl University Hospital.

1. B. states the following in his expressions covered by news reports: “I was slowly taking the sheep away (…) Soldiers were very close to me and they were seeing me. Suddenly fire was opened from armoured vehicles. I fell down with a bullet hitting me. Soldiers could see very well that they shot me and I fell down. But they left without even looking back. My wound did not hurt me because it was fresh. I went on foot to my uncle’s house to tell them that I was shot”.

(07/214) Asylum Seekers Died in Van…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 16, 2020 that the death toll raised up to 59 in the sinking boat in Van Lake on June 26, 2020 where numerous asylum seekers are lost.

(07/215) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under Custody in Istanbul…

It is learned that 3 people who were detained in the operation after the attack to a police car in Bağcılar district of Istanbul on July 18, 2020, which killed 1 police officer and injured 1 police officer; were subjected to torture and ill-treatment under custody. It is reported that photographs stated to be of these 3 people who were subjected to torture and ill-treatment were shared on social media.

(07/216) Child Subjected to Sexual Assault by a Soldier in Batman…

It is learned that specialised sergeant M. O. who was detained on July 16, 2020, for sexual assault to a 17 years old child in Batman is released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 17, 2020.

(07/217) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 17, 2020 that, 8 prisoners in Urfa T Type Prison No 2 were transferred to other prisons under coercion on July 14, 2020. Transferred prisoners are: Kasım Karataş, Zübeyir Paksoy, Zana Mazak, Emrullah Oruç, Ferhat Çiftçi, Mehmet Çelik, Mehmet Tahir Özcan, Orhan Orak.

(07/218) Police Intervention to Commemorations in Istanbul and Ankara…

The police used pepper spray to intervene the commemoration on July 20, 2020 in Kadıköy district of Istanbul for those who were killed in Suruç Massacre. On July 20, 2015, a bombing attack have killed 33 people in Suruç district of Urfa. It is learned that the police used physical violence to detain at least 17 people including Özgür Gelecek reporter Emre Türksever.

The police used pepper spray to intervene the commemoration of Suruç Families Initiative on July 20, 2020 in Güvenpark, Ankara. It is learned that at least 28 people were detained by physical violence and journalists were prevented from recording the intervention. It is learned that people were subjected to torture and ill-treatment while being detained and that 2 of them (Fatma Kılıçarslan and Mustafa Yaşatır) were injured.

(07/219) Police Intervention to a Protest in Batman…

The police intervened the sit-in protest against sexual assault of a specialised sergeant to a child in Batman, on July 17, 2020 in Atatürk Park of Batman and detained 10 people including children. It is reported that detained people were released after being fined on the same day.

(07/220) Police Intervention to a Protest in Şırnak…

It is learned that the police prevented the press declaration of Tevgera Jinên Azad (Free Women’s Movement – TJA), Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and Confederation of Public Employee Unions (KESK) in Şırnak on July 18, 2020; to protest sexual assaults to children in Batman and Şırnak.

(07/221) Police Intervention to People Distributing Leaflets in Istanbul…

The police intervened the people distributing leaflets about Suruç Massacre, on July 18, 2020 in Kadıköy district of Istanbul and detained 20 people including Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) Istanbul co-chair Ezgi Bahçeci and Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF) co-chair Alev Özkiraz. Detained people are released after statement procedures at the police on July 19, 2020.

(07/222) Police Intervention to a Protest in Tunceli…

The police prevented the group marching after the press declaration held to protest sexual assaults to women, on July 17, 2020 in Tunceli; and detained 3 people by using physical violence. Detained 3 people were released after statement procedures at the police on July 18, 2020. Detained people were: Mehmet Sağlam, Yusuf Akın and Ömer Faruk Karahan.

(07/223) Police Intervention to a Protest in Eskişehir…

The police intervened members of TAYAD (Solidarity Association of Families of Prisoners) in Eskişehir who march from Istanbul to Ankara on July 19, 2020; to support lawyers Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal. Ebru Timtik is on a death fast for 200 days in Silivri Prison No 9 and Aytaç Ünsal is on a death fast for 169 days in Burhaniye T Type Prison to demand a fair trial. The police detained 2 people (Feridun Osmanağaoğlu and Merve Demirel) who were released on judicial control conditions later on the same day.

(07/224) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1349 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 17, 18 and 19, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/225) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

On July 17, 2020, the police intervened the press declaration of Alev Şahin in order to regain her job from which she was dismissed by a state of emergency decree, in front of Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning in Ankara and detained her on the grounds of governorate’s ban. Alev Şahin is released after being fined.

(07/226) Detained City Council Members in Diyarbakır…

Ronda Bat, city council member from HDP in Yenişehir district and Panayır Çelik and Halime Bayram, city council members from HDP in Bağlar district of Diyarbakır who were detained on July 14, 2020; are released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 17, 2020. Gülşen Güneş, city council member from Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in Yenişehir district of Diyarbakır who was detained in Diyarbakır on July 14, 2020, was released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 16, 2020.

(07/227) Detained Journalist in Diyarbakır…

Ayşe Güney, spokesperson of Mesopotamia Women Journalists Platform (MKGP) and editor of Jinnews agency, who was detained in a house raid in Diyarbakır on July 14, 2020, is released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 17, 2020.

(07/228) Detained People in Diyarbakır…

5 of 23 people including MED TUHAD-FED co-chair Elif Haran and Tevgera Jinên Azad (Free Women’s Movement – TJA) spokesperson Ayşe Gökkan and activists who were detained in house raids in Diyarbakır on July 14, 2020; are arrested by the court on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ on July 17, 2020. 14 people are released on judicial control conditions. Arrested people are: MED TUHAD-FED co-chair Elif Haran, HDP Sur district co-chair Hatun Yıldız and TJA activists Hasret Alp, Figen Ekti, Bahar Akyapı. Released people are: TJA spokesperson Ayşe Gökkan, HDP Yenişehir district former co-hair Demet Özkaran, Health and Social Services Employees Union (SES) Diyarbakır branch executive Rozerin Çatak, HDP Kayapınar district co-chair Besile Narîn, Office, Banking and Insurance Employees Union (BES) former executives Dilan Yakut and Güneş Özel and TJA activists Zekiye Güler, Emine Kaya, Selma Metin, Ruken Şehir, Şükran Tamir, Gülseren Akkum, Têkoşîn Tekin, Hatice Şen.

Aklime Hanas, Rabia Ataş, Zeynep Suncak who were detained through the same investigation were released on judicial control conditions on July 16, 2020, and Hayriye Türkekul was released on judicial control conditions on July 15, 2020.

(07/229) Detained Executives and Members of Political Parties in Antep…

15 of 29 people including provincial co-chairs of HDP, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) and Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP) who were detained in house raids in Antep on July 14, 2020, are referred to the court on July 17, 2020. 9 people (HDP provincial co-chair Songül Koçdağ, DBP former provincial co-chair Ali Şimşek, SYKP provincial co-chair Ahmet Aşkar, HDP Şahinbey district co-chair Bahri Yarış, HDP Şahinbey district executive Remziye Kuş, Remziye Erdem, Recai Yılmaz, Cüneyt Kaya and İsa Aslan) are arrested; 6 people are released on house confinement.

On July 16, 2020, 9 people (HDP provincial co-chair Musa Aydın, Adnan Erol, Hurşit Besle, Abdullah Acar, Enver Özman, Sevinç Selçuk, Ömer Sungur, İbrahim Dağ and Hasan Saran) who were detained through the same investigation were arrested while 5 people were released on house confinement.

Thus, the number of arrested people through this investigation is 18 while 15 people are released on house confinement.

(07/230) Detained People in Adana…

10 of 14 people who were detained through an Adana based investigation on July 10, 2020 are released by the court on July 17, 2020, provided that 3 of them will be on house confinement and 6 of them will be on judicial control conditions. 4 people who were detained through the same investigation were released previously.

(07/231) Detained Person for Expressions on a TV Programme…

Melek Çetinkaya, mother of an Air Force Academy student who was sentenced to life imprisonment through the case on July 15 coup attempt; is detained in Ankara on the grounds of ‘praising offense and offender’ in a TV programme on Akit TV channel that she participated in. Melek Çetinkaya is taken to Istanbul on the same day and is arrested by the court.

(07/232) Investigation Against a Journalist…

It is learned that an investigation was initiated against Sözcü newspaper writer Aytunç Ekin, for an article of him titled “2 thousand 221 judges and prosecutors on active duty are either related to Fethulahist Terrorist Organisation or supporters of it”; and that Aytunç Ekin gave his official statement at Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office on July 17, 2020.

(07/233) Journalist on Trial in Mersin…

The final trial of the case against journalist Mehmet Baransu is held at Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 2 on July 17, 2020. The court sentenced Mehmet Baransu to 2 years for ‘violating confidentiality’, to 4 years for ‘revealing forbidden information’ and to 13 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court decided to continue detention of Mehmet Baransu.

(07/234) Ban of Access to Web Contents…

It is learned that a news report on former TRT reporter Mustafa Aşçı, on https://odatv4.com/, https://www.sozcu.com.tr/ websites and on social media accounts https://twitter.com/OzlemGurses, https://twitter.com/mustafa_asci46 is banned to access by İstanbul Penal Court of Peace o 11 on July 16, 2020.

(07/235) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

6 of 22 people who were detained through an Izmir based investigation are arrested by the court on July 19, 2020. 16 people are released provided that 14 of them will be on judicial control conditions.

(07/236) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

The final trial of the case against Ali Yazıcı, former Presidential adjutant, and Colonel Cenk Bahadır Avcı, former Commander of Dalaman Naval Air Base is held at Muğla Heavy Penal Court No 2 on July 17, 2020. The court sentenced Ali Yazıcı to heavy life imprisonment and Cenk Bahadır Avcı to 13 years and 4 months.

(07/237) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 18 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 926 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 17, 2020.

Ministry of Health declared that 17 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 918 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 18, 2020.

Ministry of Health declared that 16 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 924 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 19, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,491 and total number of confirmed cases is 219,641 as of July 19, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

17 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/195) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned that 7 police officers including 2 pilots died in the scout plane of General Directorate of Security that crashed for an unknown reason into Artos Mountain in Van on July 16, 2020. Names of police officers are: Gökhun Mete Altunbaş, Samet Üstüner, İrfan Aydoğan, Semih Güzelay, Mustafa Keskin, Onur Ramazan Bayram and Burak Derya.

It is learned that 2 special operations police officer (Muhammet Demir and Anıl Kemal Kurtul) died and 2 of them got wounded in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in Pervari district of Siirt on July 16, 2020.

It is learned from the news coverage of July 16, 2020 that, 2 militants died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Tatvan district of Bitlis on June 19, 2020.

(07/196) Syrian Citizen Died in Attack of a Racist Group in Bursa…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 16, 2020 that, Syrian citizen Hamza Acan (17), working at a farmers’ market in Gürsu district of Bursa, warned a group working at the same place and verbally assaulting a Syrian woman; which then turned into a quarrel and Hamza Acan got wounded due to being hit by a rock at the head. It is reported that Hamza Acan lost his life at hospital due to brain haemorrhage.

(07/197) Child Got Wounded Due to Fire Opened by Soldiers in Van…

It is learned from the news reports that a 15 years old child, A. B., who was grazing sheep in Yukarı Çilli neighbourhood of Çaldıran district of Van on July 16, 2020, got wounded due to fire opened by soldiers and were taken to Yüzüncü Yıl University Hospital.

(07/198) Asylum Seekers Died in Van…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 16, 2020 that the death toll raised up to 40 in the sinking boat in Van Lake on June 26, 2020 where numerous asylum seekers are lost.

(07/199) Child Subjected to Sexual Assault by a Soldier in Batman…

It is claimed in the news coverage of July 16, 2020, that a 17 years old child was subjected to sexual assault by specialised sergeant M. O. in Batman.

It is learned that the child was under treatment at intensive care unit and in life critical condition.

It is reported that specialised sergeant M. O. is detained.

(07/200) Police Intervention to Protests in Istanbul…

The police intervened members of TAYAD (Solidarity Association of Families of Prisoners) in Kartal Square of Istanbul who march from Istanbul to Ankara on July 16, 2020; to support lawyers Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal. Ebru Timtik is on a death fast for 197 days in Silivri Prison No 9 and Aytaç Ünsal is on a death fast for 166 days in Burhaniye T Type Prison to demand a fair trial. The police detained 2 people (Feridun Osmanağaoğlu and Yıldırım Deniz) who were released on judicial control conditions later on the same day.

(07/201) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declarations of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1346 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 16, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

(07/202) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Düzce…

On July 16, 2020, the police intervened the press declaration of Alev Şahin in order to regain her job from which she was dismissed by a state of emergency decree, in front of Düzce Governorate and detained her. Alev Şahin was released on the same day.

(07/203) Detained City Council Members in Diyarbakır…

Gülşen Güneş, city council member from Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in Yenişehir district of Diyarbakır who was detained in Diyarbakır on July 14, 2020 is released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 16, 2020 It is reported that 3 people (Ronda Bat, city council member from HDP in Yenişehir district and Panayır Çelik and Halime Bayram, city council members from HDP in Bağlar district) who were detained through the same investigation, are still under custody.

(07/204) Detained People in Diyarbakır…

Aklime Hanas, Rabia Ataş, Zeynep Suncak, 3 of 19 people including TUHAD-FED co-chair Elif Haran and Tevgera Jinên Azad (Free Women’s Movement – TJA) spokesperson Ayşe Gökkan and activists who were detained in house raids in Diyarbakır on July 14, 2020, are released on judicial control conditions on July 16, 2020. Hayriye Türkekul (70) who was also detained was released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 15, 2020.

(07/205) Detained People While Distributing Leaflets in Adana…

On July 16, 2020, 2 people who were distributing leaflets “Don’t forget Suruç, Don’t let it be forgotten”, in Adana, are detained. 2 people, whose names are not learned, are released after statement procedures at the police on the same day.

(07/206) Detained Executives and Members of Political Parties in Antep…

14 of 29 people including provincial co-chairs of HDP, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) and Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP) who were detained in house raids in Antep on July 14, 2020, are referred to the court on July 16, 2020. 9 people (HDP provincial co-chair Musa Aydın, Adnan Erol, Hurşit Besle, Abdullah Acar, Enver Özman, Sevinç Selçuk, Ömer Sungur, İbrahim Dağ and Hasan Saran) are arrested; 5 people are released on house confinement.

It is learned that 15 people are still under custody.

(07/207) CHP Chair on Trial…

The final trial of the case against Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, chair of Republican People’s Party (CHP), for his allegations about tax evasion of President and his relatives through commerce relations with Man Island, is held at Istanbul Anadolu Civil Court of First Instance No 5 on July 16, 2020. The court rejected recusation demand of Kılıçdaroğlu’s lawyers and sentenced him to pay 197.000 Turkish Liras as compensation.

(07/208) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…

The final trial of the case against Deniz Yücel, Turkey reporter of German Die Welt newspaper, on the charges of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and ‘inciting hatred and hostility among people’ is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 32 on July 16, 2020.

The court sentenced Deniz Yücel to 2 years and 9 months for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’.

Deniz Yücel was detained on February 14, 2017 and was arrested by the court on February 27, 2017. The indictment against him was accepted by the court on February 16, 2018 and released Deniz Yücel on scheduling order.

(07/209) Grup Yorum Members on Trial…

The trial of the case against Grup Yorum band members Bergün Varan and Sultan Gökçek is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 36 on July 16, 2020.

Bergün Varan and Sultan Gökçek attended the trial. After defence hearings the court decided to continue detention of Bergün Varan and Sultan Gökçek and adjourned the trial to September 30, 2020.

It is learned that Sultan Gökçek and Bergün Varan held a sit-in in the court room to protest the court’s verdict and they were forced out of the court room by gendarmerie using physical violence against them.

Bergün Varan and Sultan Gökçek were detained in the raid to Idil Cultural Center in Okmeydanı, Istanbul on November 29, 2019 and were arrested by the court on December 2, 2019.

(07/210) October 10 – Ankara Massacre Case…

The trial of the case against Erman Ekinci and 16 fugitive defendants, for October 10 – Ankara Massacre, is held at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 4 on July 16, 2020.

The court decided to send a writ to Ministry of Justice about defendants Mustafa Delibaşlar, Fadile Delibaşlar, Cebrail Kaya and İlhami Balı who were in camps in Syria; and adjourned the trial to September 21, 2020.

19 defendants have been sentenced to jail sentences on August 3, 2018, at the final trial of the case on October 10 – Ankara Massacre and the case against 16 fugitives was separated.

(07/211) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 21 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 933 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 16, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,440 and total number of confirmed cases is 216,873 as of July 16, 2020.

[1]The reports on the human rights violations of the Documentation Center are claims unless they are certified. The claim of violation either is certified through thoroughly investigations of HRFT Documentation Center, including by judicial verdicts, and becomes a definite data or it is not included to the annual report.

[2]To subscribe to the e-mail group: please write ‘daily human rights reports subscription application’ to the title of your e-mail and sent it to dokumantasyon@tihv.org.tr.

[3]https://www.facebook.com/TIHV.HRFT

[4] https://twitter.com/insanhaklari

[5] Daily Human Rights Reports are prepared on the information gathered by the Documentation Center from its own network and the following dailies and internet portals: Vatan, Milliyet, Hürriyet, Habertürk, Evrensel, Birgün, Cumhuriyet, Fırat Haber Ajansı, Jinnews, ETHA, Mezopotamya Ajansı, Yurt, Yeni Yaşam, NTV, Yeni Asya, Bianet, Halkinsesi.tv, Cnnturk, Tr724, İleri Haber, Siyasi Haber, Alınteri, Kızılbayrak, Sendika.org, Yüksekova Haber, T24, Diken, Gazete Karınca, Gazete Duvar. Haber Sol, El Cezire, BBC, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, AFP.

Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]

15 – 16 July 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/169) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 14, 2020 that, 1 militant died in a clash between Turkish Armed Forces units and HPG militants in Haftanin area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on July 12, 2020; and 4 HPG militants died in a clash in Haftanin area on July 13, 2020.

(07/170) Asylum Seekers Died in Van…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 15, 2020 that the death toll raised up to 37 in the sinking boat in Van Lake on June 26, 2020 where numerous asylum seekers are lost.

(07/171) People Subjected to Police Violence in Batman…

It is learned that the police raided some shops on the grounds of ‘selling smuggled cell phones’ at Gülistan Street of Batman on July 15, 2020; and one shopkeeper was subjected to physical violence of the police and was detained. It is reported that the police prevented people around recording the violence, pulled a gun up into the air and detained 7 people. Names of detained people are unknown.

(07/172) Child Subjected to Sexual Assault by a Soldier in Şırnak…

It is learned that a 13 years old child was subjected to sexual assault by specialised sergeant A. A. from Gendarmerie Commando Brigade No 1 in Şırnak, on July 15, 2020.

It is learned that the child gave her testimony at Juvenile Security Department without being accompanied by a pedagogue and psychologist. It is reported that the child states the following: “When we came in front of our neighbour’s apartment we were trying to open the door, and a brunette man with dark hair at his twenties, about 1.75 centimetres tall, whom I have never seen before and I have not known, but whom I can recognize in case I see him again; caught me at my neck and tried to pull me towards himself (…) When I screamed, this person rapidly moved away to the yard. We went nearby our mothers who were sitting at the yard at that moment. This person was still wandering in the yard and taking glances at us. (…) Our neighbours at that building checked the surveillance camera records and went near this man. And a quarrel took place there (…) The police arrived. I told the police what has happened. And we went to Juvenile Security Department to file a criminal complaint. I file charges against this person A. A., for he caught me from my neck and pulled towards himself”.

Şırnak Governorate made a declaration on July 15, 2020 and stated the following: “It has been detected that public officer A. A. was excessively intoxicated, and was acting improperly which disquiets residents there, and this person is detained. Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated the necessary investigation and an administrative investigation has also begun; and this person is suspended from his duty for the safety of investigations.

It is reported that A. A., is arrested by the court on the charges of ‘sexual abuse’ and ‘threatening with a gun’ on the same day.

(07/173) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 15, 2020, a 75 years old ill-prisoner Ramazan Özyiğit, was being kept in a solitary cell in Van High Security Prison.

(07/174) Police Intervention to HDP Protest in Ankara…

The police prevented the press declaration of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in front of Ankara Ulucanlar Prison Museum on July 14, 2020 and detained HDP executive board member Veli Saçılık by using physical violence. Veli Saçılık is released on the same day.

(07/175) Police Intervention to Protests in Istanbul…

The police intervened members of TAYAD (Solidarity Association of Families of Prisoners) who march from Silivri Prison to Ankara on July 14, 2020; to support lawyers Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal. Ebru Timtik is on a death fast for 196 days in Silivri Prison No 9 and Aytaç Ünsal is on a death fast for 165 days in Burhaniye T Type Prison to demand a fair trial. The police detained 3 people (Yıldırım Deniz, Feridun Osmanağaoğlu and Ali Dilmen) who were released on judicial control conditions later on the same day.

The police intervened TAYAD members gathering for the same cause at Khalkedon Square in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on July 15, 2020, and detained 5 people (Kemal Gün, Yıldız Turan, Ali Dilmen, Emircan Yazı, Berkay Köroğlu). Detained 5 people are released on the same day.

(07/176) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency decree and have been struggling 1345 days to regain their jobs, in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 14, 2020 at 13.30 and detained 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Ozan Eftekin and Haktan Eftekin) who are released later on the same day. The police intervened the press declaration at 18.00 and detained 3 people (Mahmut Konuk, Ozan Eftekin and Haktan Eftekin). Detained 3 people are released on the same day.

The police intervened the press declarations at 13.30 and 18.00 on July 15, 2020 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.

Thus, 6 people are detained in police interventions against press declarations on July 14, and 15, 2020.

(07/177) Detained Co-Mayor in Ağrı…

Betül Yaşar, HDP co-mayor of Diyadin district of Ağrı who was detained on July 13, 2020; is arrested by the court on the charges of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ on July 15, 2020.

(07/178) Detained Journalist in Diyarbakır…

Ayşe Güney, spokesperson of Mesopotamia Women Journalists Platform (MKGP) and editor of Jinnews agency, is detained in a house raid in Diyarbakır on July 14, 2020.

(07/179) Detained City Council Members in Diyarbakır…

Gülşen Güneş and Ronda Bat, city council members from HDP in Yenişehir district; and Panayır Çelik and Halime Bayram, city council members from HDP in Bağlar district of Diyarbakır are detained on July 14, 2020.

(07/180) Detained People in Diyarbakır…

On July 14, 2020, 19 people including TUHAD-FED co-chair Elif Haran and Tevgera Jinên Azad (Free Women’s Movement – TJA) spokesperson Ayşe Gökkan and activists are detained in house raids in Diyarbakır.

Detained people learned so far are: TJA spokesperson Ayşe Gökkan, Elif Haran, Zekiye Güler, Hatun Yıldız, Rozerin Çatak, Emine Kaya, Selma Metin, Figen Ekti, Rabia Ateş, Demet Özkaran, Ronda Bat, Dilan Yakut, Hayriye Türkekul, Figen Ekti, Dilan Yakut, Zeynep Suncak, Tekoşin Tekin, Ruken Şehir, Aklime Hanas.

It is learned that Hayriye Türkekul (70) is released by the court on July 15, 2020.

(07/181) Detained People in Diyarbakır…

HDP Kayapınar district co-chair Besile Narin and TJA activist Haster Alp are detained on the grounds of warrants, after the press declaration in Diyarbakır on July 14, 2020 which was about detentions in Diyarbakır.

(07/182) Detained Executives and Members of HDP and DBP in Antep…

On July 14, 2020, 31 people including HDP and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) provincial co-chairs are detained in house raids in Antep.

Detained people learned so far are: HDP provincial co-chair Songül Koçdağ, HDP provincial co-chair Musa Aydın, HDP Şehitkamil district co-chair İbrahim Dağ, HDP İslahiye district co-chair Yusuf İyem, HDP Şahinbey district co-chair Bahri Yarış, lawyer Adnan Erol and Hurşit Besle.

(07/183) Detained Local Authorities in Antep…

On July 14, 2020, 2 local authorities in neighbourhoods are detained in house raids in Antep.

(07/184) Detained People in Ağrı…

3 people (Zeynel Abidin Bozkurt, Mesut Arslan and Mustafa Alparslan) who were detained on July 13, 2020, through the investigation in which HDP co-mayor of Diyadin district of Ağrı was detained; are released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 14, 2020.

(07/185) Former HDP Co-Chair on Trial…

The case against Figen Yüksekdağ, former co-chair of HDP, is held at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 16 on July 14, 2020.

The indictment demands Figen Yüksekdağ to be sentenced from 30 years up to 83 years for ‘leading an illegal organisation’, ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’, ‘opposing to the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations’, and ‘inciting hostility and hate among people’.

The court decided to continue detention of Figen Yüksekdağ adjourned the trial to September 28, 2020.

(07/186) Journalist on Trial in Diyarbakır…

The case against journalist Kibriye Evren on Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 5 is held on July 14, 2020.

The indictment demands Kibriye Evren to be sentenced for ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’.

After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to November 26, 2020.

Kibriye Evren was arrested after being detained with 141 others through a Diyarbakır based investigation on October 9, 2018, and was released at the first trial on November 12, 2019

(07/187) Journalists and ESP Members and Executives on Trial…

The case against 27 people including Etkin News Agency reporter Meşale Tolu and writer Mukaddes Erdoğdu Çelik, on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 29 is held on July 14, 2020. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to February 11, 2021.

(07/188) Police Officer on Trial in Istanbul…

The trial of the case against police officer Murat A., on the grounds of hitting and breaking the back of lawyer Zeycan Balcı, during a press declaration on March 30, 2016 in front of Istanbul Court House, is held on Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 22 on July 14, 2020.

The indictment demands sentence for Murat A. on the charges of ‘injury’, ‘intentional injury that cause bone fracture’, ‘extensive use of force’. It is stated in the expert report that “It is understood that, during the intervention by the prosecutor’s order against lawyers of Istanbul Bar Association having a sit-in protest in front of Istanbul Courthouse, suspect police officer M. A. excessed the limit of using force and kicked Balcı, and injured her to cause bone fracture”.

The court adjourned the trial to October 9, 2020.

(07/189) The Case Against People Evacuated from Nusaybin…

The case against 70 people who were detained and then arrested on May 26, 2016, after being evacuated from the buildings they were stuck in during the curfew on Nusaybin district, is held on July 14, 2020 on Mardin Heavy Penal Court No 4. The court has decided to separate the case for each defendant and to start proceedings all over again with new case files on April 5, 2019.

The court sentenced 1 person (Halil Karataş) to heavy life imprisonment on the charge of ‘distributing unity and integrity of the state’, to 18 years on the charge of ‘attempt to killing’, and to 3 years for ‘damage to public property’. With the last verdicts, 49 people in total are sentenced through this case.

(07/190) Special Security Zone in Şırnak…

Şırnak Governorate made a declaration on July 13, 2020 and announced 22 areas with given coordinates in central, Cizre and Silopi districts as special security zones as of 18.00 on July 13, 2020 until 24.00 on July 16, 2020.

(07/191) Special Security Zone in Tunceli…

Tunceli Governorate made a declaration on July 14, 2020 and announced 29 areas with given coordinates in central, Ovacık, Hozat, Nazımiye and Pülümür districts as special security until December 31, 2020.

(07/192) Ban of Access to Web Contents…

It is learned that a news report on the contribution that should be paid by Ministry of Treasury and Finance to Social Security Institution, which was published on https://odatv4.com/, https://www.birgun.net/, https://tele1.com/, https://t24.com.tr/, https://dokuz8haber.net/ websites is banned to access by Ankara Penal Court of Peace No 5 on July 15, 2020.

(07/193) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On July 14, 2020; 25 people are detained in house raids in Izmir; 10 people are detained in operations covering 5 cities through an Izmir based investigation; 19 people are detained in operations covering 5 cities through an Ankara based investigation; and 33 people are detained in house raids in Samsun.

On July 15, 2020, 35 people are detained in operations covering 30 cities through an Ankara based investigation.

Ministry of Interior Süleyman Soylu, declared on July 15, 2020 that, 282,790 people are detained and 94,975 people are arrested through “Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation /Parallel State Structure Investigations” since July 15, 2016.

(07/194) Covid-19 Pandemic…

Ministry of Health declared that 20 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 992 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 14, 2020.

Ministry of Health declared that 17 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 947 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed on July 15, 2020.

The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 5,419 and total number of confirmed cases is 215,940 as of July 15, 2020.

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