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

18 – 20 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/151) Extra-Judicial Killing in Istanbul…

On January 18, 2020, a Bulgarian national Milen Stoyanov Bahchevanov (33), alleged to take someone hostage with a knife in a restaurant in Bayrampaşa district of Istanbul, died due to fire opened by the police. It is stated in the news reports that the police fired at least 20 times to Milen Stoyanov Bahchevanov, and that 1 street guard was injured due to police intervention.

(01/152) Operations and Attack in Southeast…

Ministry of National Defence announced that 1 soldier who got wounded due to hand grenade dropped by himself, in Hakurk area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government died in hospital on January 17, 2020.

(01/153) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 17, 2020 that, in Elazığ High Security Prison No 2, personal belongings of prisoners are scattered around during ward searches, books, magazines, newspapers, notebooks etc. are seized, and prisoners are subjected to physical violence during searches. It is stated in the news reports that cultural and social rights of prisoners are limited, radios of prisoners are seized and the number of books per prisoner is limited to 7. 

(01/154) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 17, 2020 that, prisoners in Elazığ High Security Prison No 2 are forced to be medically examined in handcuffs; and prisoners who reject it are taken back to prison from hospital without being examined and treated.

(01/155) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…

It is learned that the appeal made on January 17, 2020 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s sister and brother and tutelary along with the families of Hamili Yıldırım, Ömer Hayri Konar and Veysel Aktaş in order to visit, was rejected the same day on the grounds of limitations for prisoners in accordance with the Law on the Execution of Criminal and Security Measures Number 5275.

(01/156) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the group including People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Kocaeli MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu and Human Rights Association (IHD) executives at Güvenpark in Ankara, gathered for “Justice March” on January 19, 2020. 66 people including IHD executive Adnan Vural, and Nazan Bozkurt, one of “I Want My Job Back” protestors, and several people at the park are detained by police using physical violence. It is learned that the police physically intervened Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu. It is reported that detainees are released on the same day.

(01/157) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

On January 17, 2020, the police intervened the press declaration of Ankara Medical Chamber in front of Dışkapı Hospital Emergency Service, about violence against health workers. It is learned that 4 people (Health and Social Service Employees Union Ankara Branch chair Hüsnü Yıldırım, DİSK Retired Persons Union former chair Veli Beysulen, Revolutionary Mine Workers’ Union Organiser Muhammet Alkış and physician Rıza Özbek) are detained by the police using physical violence and are handcuffed behind their backs. It is reported that the police used shields to prevent physicians from attending the press declaration. It is learned that detained 4 people are released on the same day.

(01/158) 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 1167 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 17, 18, and 19, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 17, 2020, 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Acun Karadağ) and at 18.00 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Melek Çetinkaya, mother of a military student who was sentenced to heavy life imprisonment in coup attempt related cases) were detained.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 18, 2020, 2 people (Alev Şahin and Acun Karadağ) and at 18.00 2 people (Alev Şahin and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 19, 2020, 1 people (Acun Karadağ) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Umutcan Aybak) were detained.

Thus in total 11 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on January 17, 18, and 19, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/159) 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 23 years in the same place to gather for the 773^rd time on January 18, 2020. Upon police prevention, the group including representatives of political parties, human rights defenders and artists along with families of disappeared people held a press declaration on the street of Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul office.

(01/160) Prevention of Human Rights Defenders’ Event in Istanbul…

“F sit-in”, which is organized for the 408^th time by Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch Prison Watch Committee, to demand release of ill prisoners, on January 18, 2020, is prevented by the police. The police obstructed all the streets around Galatasaray Square. Human rights defenders made the press declaration in front of IHD Istanbul office.

(01/161) Detained HDP Executives in Ankara…

7 people including HDP executives, who were detained through an Ankara based investigation on January 15, 2020 are released by the court on judicial control conditions on January 17, 2020. Detained people were: HDP Ankara provincial executive Zeliha Ünlü, HDP Mamak district executive Remziye Güçlü, HDP Mamak former district co-chair Lale Ekmen, Peace Mother Gülistan Ozgan and Democratic Alevi Association Mamak district executive Hüsniye Kat, Rukiye Şen and Hacer Özmen.

(01/162) Former Co-Mayor on Trial…

The case against Sara Kaya, former co-mayor of Nusaybin district of Mardin, is held on Mardin Heavy Penal Court No 4 on January 17, 2020. Sara Kaya joined the trial from prison via sound and vision system.

The court decided to continue detention of Sara Kaya and adjourned the trial to March 6, 2020.

Sara Kaya was detained on January 13, 2017 and was arrested by the court on January 26, 2017. Ministry of Interior appointed a trustee to Nusaybin district on September 11, 2016.

(01/163) Journalists, Writers and Others on Trial in Istanbul…

The trial of the case against Bloomberg reporters Kerim Karakaya and Fercan Yalınkılıç who reported news on financial crisis and increasing exchange rates, and 36 people who shared and commented on these news reports on social media including Mustafa Sönmez, Merdan Yanardağ, Gazi Kozanoğlu, Sedef Kabaş Yirmibeşoğlu, upon the official complaint of Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, is held at Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 3 on January 17, 2020. The indictment demands jail penalty from 2 years to 5 years for 38 people, on the charge of ‘attempt to weaken financial order and stability of the state’. After defence hearings the court issued a warrant for absent defendants and adjourned the trial to May 8, 2020.

(01/164) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…

The indictment of Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office against Aydın Keser, chief editor of Yeni Yaşam daily newspaper, is accepted by Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 22 on January 17, 2020. The indictment concerns a news report, “No peace flows from this spring” related to military operation “Peace Spring”, published on October 10, 2019.

The indictment demands sentence for Aydın Keser on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’.

The first trial of the case will be held on February 7, 2020.

(01/165) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On January 17, 2020, Fatsa Mercantile Exchange chair Ali Feyzi and former executive board member Hulusi Yerbasmaz and 2 employees are detained in Fatsa district of Ordu. Ali Feyzi and Hulusi Yerebasmaz are arrested by the court on the same day while 2 employees are released on judicial control conditions.

82 of 145 people inducing military members on active duty who were detained through an Izmir based investigation on January 14, 2020, are arrested by the court on January 18, 2020. 63 people are released provided that 24 of them will be on judicial control conditions.

[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 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/133) Military Operation to North and East Syria…

It is learned that 3 soldiers (Şevket Tombul, Sinan Bilir and Mustafa Alpaklı) died in a bombing attack in Tel Abyad city within military operation to north and east Syria on January 16, 2020.

(01/134) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

Ministry of National Defence announced that 2 soldiers (Sait Miyanyedi and Tolga Kaplan) died due to a weapon accident during practice firing in Çukurca district of Hakkari on January 15, 2020.

(01/135) 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 1164 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 16, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 16, 2020, 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Mehmet Dersulu and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Merve Demirel) were detained.

Thus in total 5 people were detained by the police intervening press declarations in Yüksel Street on January 16, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/136) Police Intervention to a Protest in Düzce…

On January 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 Justice and Development Party (AKP) provincial office and detained her. It is learned that Alev Şahin was released on the same day.

(01/137) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declaration for Mustafa Koçak, who is on death fast demanding a fair trial for 198 days in Izmir Şakran T Type Prison, in Sakarya Street of Ankara on January 16, 2020 and detained his parents Zeynep Koçak and Hasan Koçak.

(01/138) Detained People in Hatay…

It is learned that 2 people (Erhan Arslan and İpek Arslan) are detained in house raids in Hatay on January 16, 2020. The reason of detention is unknown.

(01/139) Detained People in Istanbul…

It is learned that 2 people (Gökhan Uysal and Mert Arslan) are detained in house raids in Küçükçekmece district of Istanbul on January 16, 2020. The reason of detention is unknown.

(01/140) Detained People in Diyarbakır…

It is learned that 2 people (A. A. and V. A.) are detained on the charge of ‘aiding an illegal organisation’ in Lice district of Diyarbakır on January 16, 2020.

(01/141) Arrested Person in Batman for ‘Insulting the President’…

A person named H. F. who was detained on the charge of ‘insulting the President on social media’ on January 16, 2020, is arrested by the court on the same day.

(01/142) Trials Related to Reactions Against Military Operation to North and East Syria…

The first trial of the case against Hülya Ateş, İskenderun district co-chair of People’s Democratic Party (HDP), on the grounds of her social media posts about Turkish Armed Forced operation to north and south Syria, is held at Hatay Heavy Penal Court No 3 on January 16, 2020. The court acquitted Hülya Ateş on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and sentenced to 2 years and 1 month on the charge of ‘inciting hatred and hostility among public’ and released her. Hülya Ateş was arrested on October 12, 2019.

(01/143) HDP Executive on Trial in Hatay…

The first trial of the case against Şükran Dağ Cabir, former provincial co-chair of HDP in Hatay, on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’, is held at Hatay Heavy Penal Court No 3 on January 16, 2020. The court acquitted Şükran Dağ Cabir.

(01/144) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…

The first trial of the case against Cumhuriyet newspaper reporter Seyhan Avşar, on the grounds of ‘insulting a public officer’ in her news report “Bribery System in Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation Bargains”, is held at Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 2 on January 16, 2020. The court decided to drop the case due to time limitations for cases on periodicals.

(01/145) Journalists on Trial for ‘Insulting the President’ in Istanbul…

The final trial of the case against Can Dündar, former executive editor and Abbas Yalçın, former editor in chief of Cumhuriyet newspaper, on the charge of ‘insulting the President’ is held at Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 2 on January 16, 2020. The court decided to drop the case due to time limitations for cases on periodicals.

(01/146) People on Trial in Istanbul…

The final trial of the case against 11 people (journalists Perihan Erkılınç Okay, Mehmet Şahin and Berfin Aslan, Volkan Atmaca, Umut Akgül, Selda Erbil, Melek Andan, İlayda Çalasın, Rojen Zaman, Gamze Taşçı and Metin Yılmaz) on the charge of ‘violation of Law on Demonstrations and Meetings No 2911’ is held at Istanbul Anadolu Penal Court of First Instance No 25 on January 16, 2020. 11 people were detained by the police intervening the press declaration in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on August 23, 2019, to protest trustee appointments to Diyarbakır, Mardin and Van. The court acquitted 11 people.

(01/147) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

Lieutenant General Metin İyidil, former commander of Training and Doctrine Command of Land Forces is arrested on January 16, 2020. Metin İyidil was sentenced to heavy life imprisonment by Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 20 and the verdict was reversed by Ankara Regional Court Penal Department No 20, which ruled acquittal and was released from prison. However, Penal Department No 21 rejected acquittal and issued a warrant for detention.

3 people are detained in Istanbul on the grounds of helping Metin İyidil to escape, on January 16, 2020. It is learned that 3 people are released on the same day after statement procedures.

(01/148) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

The final trial of the case against staff colonel Bekir Furkan Özdaban, former first aide-de-camp of the President, is held at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 21 on January 16, 2020. The court sentenced the defendant to 10 years on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.

(01/149) Constitutional Court Decision on Prohibition of Treatment Incompatible with Human Dignity and Right to Demonstrate…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 16, 2020 that Constitutional Court concluded on the appeal of Sıla Koç and Betül Öztürk Gülhan. Koç and Gülhan was subjected to pepper gas, sprayed by the police at a close range, during intervention to a press declaration in Güvenpark, Ankara on May 14, 2014. The investigation on the police officers on duty, has ended in non-prosecution. The court decided that prohibition of treatment incompatible with human dignity and right to demonstrate are violated. The court ruled a compensation of 20.000 Turkish Liras as to immaterial damages for Koç and Gülhan each, and send the case to prosecutor’s office for re-investigation.

(01/150) Ban of Events in Tunceli…

Tunceli Governorate made a declaration on January 16, 2020 and announced that, all open-door 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 January 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]

16 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/122) Prisoner Died in Prison…

It is learned that Nurcan Bakır, who was transferred from Gebze Women’s Prison to Balıkesir Burhaniye T Type Prison under coercion, after the hunger strikes in prisons to demand end to isolation of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, killed herself on January 15, 2020. It is learned that Nurcan Bakır had a phone call with her family a day before killing herself and said “I will not keep silent against oppression”. 

(01/123) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 15, 2020 that, Murat Bilen and Bahattin Çelebi, were subjected to physical violence of the wardens in Mersin Tarsus T Type Prison No 1 on November 21, 2019, because they rejected wardens’ physical violence against another prisoner (Şerko Genco). Murat Bilen’s lawyer stated the following: “My client and another prisoner, Bahattin Çelebi had a meeting with prison administrator about oppression and arbitrary practices in prison. While they were going back to their wards, they saw that another prisoner Şerko Genco is being dragged on the floor by wardens who almost broke his arm and intervened. They were then seriously beaten and taken to Tarsus Public Hospital. They made an official complaint afterwards but cannot get any results. On the contrary, they are prevented from family visit rights for one month as a penalty.”

It is learned from the news coverage of January 15, 2020 that in Ağrı Patnos L Type prison food given to prisoners is not enough, and prisoners are not given hot water. It is also claimed in the news reports that food given to prisoners contain bugs.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 15, 2020 that, bathrooms and restrooms and common use areas in Diyarbakır T Type Prison are recorded by surveillance cameras. It is also stated in the news reports that mails and packages sent to prisoners are not given to them, the number of books is limited to 10 per prisoner, and hot water is given only for 1 hour a week for a ward for 13 prisoners.

(01/124) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 15, 2020 that Hüseyin Aşkan, a prisoner with dental cavities due to hunger strike in Ağrı Patnos L Type Prison is not given medical care.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 15, 2020 that prisoners in Diyarbakır T Type Prison are forced to strip search when referred to hospital and that prisoners who reject to this are not taken to hospital.

(01/125) 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 1163 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 15, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 15, 2020, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Mehmet Dersulu) and at 18.00 4 people (Mehmet Dersulu, Nazan Bozkurt, Sercan Çakır and Sinan Yanbal) were detained. It is learned that the police handcuffed Sercan Çakır behind his back during intervention at 18.00. Sercan Çakır is on hunger strike for 17 days.

Thus in total 6 people were detained by the police intervening press declarations in Yüksel Street on January 15, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/126) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the march of Zeynep Koçak and Hasan Koçak to Ministry of Justice in Ankara on January 15, 2020 and detained 2 people. Zeynep Koçak and Hasan Koçak are parents of Mustafa Koçak who is on death fast demanding a fair trial for 197 days in Izmir Şakran T Type Prison.

(01/127) Detained HDP Executives in Ankara and Istanbul…

On January 15, 2020, 5 people are detained in Ankara and 1 person is detained in Istanbul through an investigation on executives and members of People’s Democratic Party (HDP). HDP Ankara provincial executive Zeliha Ünlü, HDP Mamak district executive Remziye Güçlü, HDP Mamak former district co-chair Lale Ekmen, Peace Mother Gülistan Ozgan and Democratic Alewi Association Mamak district executive Hüsniye Kart are detained in Ankara; Rukiye Şen is detained in Istanbul. It is learned that Rukiye Şen will be taken to Ankara.

(01/128) Co-Mayor on Trial in Diyarbakır…

The first trial of the case against Keziban Yılmaz, co-mayor of Kayapınar district, is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 9 on January 15, 2020. Keziban Yılmaz was elected from HDP and then was suspended by Ministry of Interior.

Keziban Yılmaz joined the trial from prison via sound and vision system. It is learned that the court limited the number of defence lawyers to 3. After defence hearings the court decided to continue detention of Keziban Yılmaz and adjourned the trial to March 2, 2020.  

(01/129) HDP Executive on Trial in Şırnak…

The final trial of the case against Güler Tunç, HDP Cizre district executive, for her social media posts is held at Şırnak Heavy Penal Court No 3 on January 15, 2020. The court sentenced Güler Tunç to 10 months on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and deferred the announcement of the verdict.

(01/130) Journalist on Trial in Mersin…

The final trial of the case against İsmail Çoban, editor in chief of Azadiya Welat, the Kurdish newspaper which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, is held at Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 7 on January 15, 2020. The court sentenced İsmail Çoban to 7 years and 6 months on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.

(01/131) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

The final trial of the case against Hüseyin Yıldırım, former chair of Justice Academy and former member of Supreme Court, is held at Penal Department No 9 of Supreme Court on January 15, 2020. The court sentenced the defendant to 17 years and 4 months on the charge of ‘leading an illegal organisation’.

(01/132) Armed Assault to HDP Office…

On January 15, 2020, an unknown person fired a gun up in the air seven times in front of HDP provincial office in Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. It is learned that nobody gets injured due to attack and that the assaulter turned himself in and is detained by the police.

[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 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/107) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 14, 2020 that, 3 HPG militants died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Tutak district of Ağrı on December 6, 2019.

(01/108) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 14, 2020 that, İsmail Yılmaz, a prisoner in Elazığ F Type Prison No 2, was prevented from visit rights because he rejected to carry ID card. It is stated in the news reports that, İsmail Yılmaz is not medically treated although he has a perforated eardrum, and his notes on his defence declaration are seized by prison administration on the same ground.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 14, 2020 that 5 prisoners who were transferred from Afyon E Type Prison to Afyon T Type Prison No 1 under coercion, were subjected to physical and verbal violence of the gendarmerie personnel on duty. It is stated in the news reports that 1 prisoner’s arm was broken due to violence.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 14, 2020 that prisoners in Kocaeli Kandıra F Type Prison No 2 are taken to hospital and courthouse in single seated shuttles; and those who reject this were not taken to hospital and courthouse and thus prevented from their right of health and defence; books, magazines and newspapers sent to prisoners are not given to them; radios and writings of prisoners are seized; cultural rights of prisoners are limited and open-door time right of prisoners convicted to heavy life imprisonment is limited.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 14, 2020 that Şerafettin Demir, a prisoner who is being kept in a single ward for 3 years in Van High Security Prison, was subjected to physical violence of the wardens during search on January 10, 2020.

(01/109) 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 1162 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 14, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 14, 2020, 2 people (Merve Demirel and Mahmut Konuk) and at 18.00 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained.

Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on January 14, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/110) Detained Priest in Mardin…

Priest Sefer Bileçen of Saint Jacob Church who was detained in Üçköy village of Nusaybin of Mardin on January 9, 2020, and was arrested on the charge of ‘aiding and abetting an illegal organisation’ on January 10, 2020, is released upon appeal of his lawyers on January 14, 2020.

(01/111) Detained TAYAD Member in Istanbul…

On January 14, 2020, Solidarity Association for Prisoners’ Families (TAYAD) member Mehmet Güvel and Nuri Cihanyandı are detained in a house raid in Istanbul. The reason of detention is unknown.

(01/112) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…

The first trial of the case against journalist Mehmet Yılmaz, on the grounds of ‘insulting former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım’ in an article, is held at Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 38 on January 14, 2020. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to April 9, 2020.

(01/113) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…

The first trial of the case against Osman Akın, former editor in chief of Yeni Yaşam newspaper, is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 24 on January 14, 2020 The prosecutor declared legal opinion and demanded sentence for Osman Akın on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. The court adjourned the trial to January 24, 2020.

(01/114) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…

The trial of the case against journalist Rojhat Doğru is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 8 on January 14, 2020.

The indictment demands sentence for Rojhat Doğru on the charges of ‘disrupting unity and integrity of the state’, ‘intentional injury’, ‘being an illegal organisation member’, and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’, for protests about Kobane.

2020. Ö., the complainant is heard at the trial. The court adjourned the trial to March 24, 2020.

(01/115) HDP Members on Trial in Adana…

The final trial of the case against 12 people including People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Adana provincial co-chair is held at Adana Heavy Penal Court No 12 on January 14, 2020. The court acquitted 12 people.

(01/116) Labour Party Executive on Trial in Balıkesir…

The final trial of the case against Mehmet Tank, Edremit district executive of Labour Party, on the grounds of ‘insulting the President on social media’, is held at Edremit Penal Court of First Instance No 1 on January 14, 2020. The court sentenced Mehmet Tank to 1 year 2 months and 17 days. The court did not convert the sentence to penalty fine and did not defer the announcement.

(01/117) Kemal Kurkut Case…

The case against police officer Y.Ş., for killing university student Kemal Kurkut by shooting him behind his back during Newroz celebrations in Diyarbakır in 2017, is held on Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 7 on January 14, 2020. Police officer Y.Ş. is charged with ‘killing on probable intention’ and the indictment demands life imprisonment for this charge.

The expert report of Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institution which argues that “the bullet hit firm ground and then entered the body” is heard at the trial. Reyhan Yalçındağ, lawyer of Kemal Kurkut’s family stated the following on this expert report: “What would one if the reports of the same institution are hundred percent different from each other? Second report is different from the first with no reason justified (…) This is suspicious for us. We think there is an intervention to this case”.

The court decided to send the case to prosecutor for legal opinion and adjourned the trial to March 24, 2020.

(01/118) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On January 14, 2020, 115 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 49 cities through an Izmir based investigation on Turkish Armed Forces personnel; 26 people are detained in operations covering 10 cities through an investigation on Turkish Land Forces Command; 14 people are detained in operations covering 20 cities through a Konya based investigation on Turkish Armed Forces; 30 people are detained in operations covering 16 cities through a Kocaeli based investigation.

10 people who were detained through a Konya based investigation on January 11, 2020, are released by the court provided that 7 of them will be on judicial control conditions on January 14, 2020.

(01/119) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

The final trial of the case against Şeref Ayyıldız, former member of Supreme Military Court is held at Penal Department No 9 of Supreme Court on January 14, 2020. The court sentenced the defendant to 10 years on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.

(01/120) Ban of Events in Mardin…

Mardin Governorate made a declaration on January 14, 2020 and announced that, all open events such as demonstrations, press declarations, meetings, sit-ins, opening stands and tents, festivals, concerts, delivering leaflets and so on are banned for 30 days as of January 15, 2020. This is the third time of banning all events in Mardin for 30 days since October 17, 2019.

(01/121) Suspended City Council Members…

On January 14, 2020, Ministry of Interior suspended 2city council members from HDP in Tatvan district of Bitlis on the grounds of cases and investigations against them. Suspended city council members are: Ahmet Barut and İbrahim Özdek.

[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]

14 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/086) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned that 1 soldier and 1 village guard died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in Heftanin area in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on January 13, 2020.

(01/087) Child Died Due to Police Fire in Samsun…

Yaşar Alperen Savaş (17), the child who got heavily wounded by fire opened by deputy police chief M. B. in Atakum district of Samsun on December 23, 2019, died in hospital on January 13, 2020.

It is reported that deputy chief M. B. who was first detained and then released on judicial control conditions, is arrested on January 13, 2020.

(01/088) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under Custody in Istanbul…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 13, 2020 that Yıldız İdil, a trans woman member of Revolutionary Party, who was detained on December 31, 2019, was subjected to torture and ill-treatment under custody at Beyoğlu Police Station.

(01/089) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under Custody in Istanbul…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 13, 2020 that, Deniz Aydın and Taylan Gültekin, who were detained in Sultangazi district of Istanbul on January 5, 2020, were subjected to torture and ill-treatment under custody at police station. It is learned that Deniz Aydın and Taylan Gültekin had a medical report evidencing the torture and will make official complaint.

(01/090) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 13, 2020 that 25 prisoners are kept in wards for 12 people in Antep L Type Prison and some prisoners have to sleep on the floor because of it, and prisoners have to wait in line for bathrooms.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 13, 2020 that around 20 prisoners in Van F Type Prison had food poisoning. It is stated in the news reports that these prisoners were not referred to infirmary or hospital.

(01/091) 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 1161 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 13, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 13, 2020, 2 people (Merve Demirel and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Merve Demirel and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained. It is reported that Nazan Bozkurt wanted to hold another press declaration to protest police violence against them during intervention at 18.00, and was detained once again.

Thus in total 5 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on January 13, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/092) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the protestors in front of Çankaya Public Health Directorate on January 13, 2020, who rally to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees, and detained 2 people (Mahmut Konuk and Cemal Yıldırım). It is learned that 2 people were released the same day.

(01/093) Detained Co-Mayor in Mardin…

Zeyni İpek, co-mayor of Kızıltepe district of Mardin, who was detained at Mardin Police Directorate where he went to give official statement on January 2, 2020, is released on judicial control conditions by the court on January 13, 2020.

(01/094) Detained People in Mardin…

7 of 11 people (Üçköy village authority Joseph Yar, Mahmut Başak, Diljin Dinç, Mehmet Nuri Kılıç, Rıdvan Ertan, Sait Tatlı and Yusuf Kılıç) who were detained on January 9, 2020 in house raids in Eskihisar, Üçköy and Üçyol villages of Nusaybin district of Mardin are released by the court on judicial control conditions on January 13, 2020.

Church of Saint Jacob priest Sefer Bileçen was arrested by the court on the charge of ‘aiding and abetting an illegal organisation’, Musa Taştekin, Haşo Dinç and Mehmet Başak were released on judicial control conditions on January 10, 2020.

(01/095) Detained Journalist in Istanbul…

Journalist and social insurance expert Ali Tezel is detained in Istanbul on January 13, 2020, through a “Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation / Parallel State Structure” investigation. Ali Tezel is released after statement procedures on the same day.

(01/096) Detained HDP Executive in Diyarbakır…

On January 13, 2020, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Party Assembly member Mesut Bağcık and İ. Ç. are detained in house raids in Bağlar and Çınar districts of Diyarbakır.

(01/097) Detained People in Diyarbakır…

8 of 12 people who were detained in house raids in Diyarbakır are arrested on January 13, 2020 by the court on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. 4 people are released on judicial control conditions.

(01/098) Detained Person in Şırnak…

On January 13, 2020, a person named M. B. is detained in house raids in Şenoba town of Şırnak. It is learned that M. B. is released after statement procedures at the prosecutor’s office.

(01/099) Police Raid to Journalist’s House…

On January 13, 2020 the police in Adana raided house of Medine Gümüş, editor in chief of Radyo Dünya radio channel which was closed down by a state of emergency decree. It is learned that Medine Gümüş was not home thus was not detained.

(01/100) The Case Against Former Co-mayor and Former DBP Co-chair…

Malatya Heavy Penal Court No 5 has sentenced Gültan Kışanak, former co-mayor of Diyarbakır, to 14 years and 3 months; and Sebahat Tuncel, former co-chair of Democratic Regions Party (DBP), to 15 years; and Penal Department No 18 of Antep Regional Court has reversed the verdict.

Retrial of Gültan Kışanak and Sebahat Tuncel is held at Malatya Heavy Penal Court No 5 on January 13, 2020. The court decided to continue detention of Gültan Kışanak and Sebahat Tuncel and adjourned the trial to March 9, 2020.

(01/101) Özgür Gündem Main Case…

The case against executive editor Zana Kaya, managing editor İnan Kızılkaya, grant holder Kemal Sancılı, editorial consultants Aslı Erdoğan, Necmiye Alpay, Filiz Koçali, Ragıp Zarakolu and Bilge Aykut and writer Eren Keskin of Özgür Gündem newspaper which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 23 on January 13, 2020. The prosecutor declared legal opinion on the case and demanded sentence for Eren Keskin, Kemal Sancılı and İnan Kızılkaya on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’; Zana Kaya on the charge of ‘making successive propaganda for an illegal organisation’; Aslı Erdoğan on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. The prosecutor demanded acquittal for Necmiye Alpay and Bilge Aykut and separation of cases against Filiz Koçali and Ragıp Zarakolu. The court adjourned the trial to February 14, 2020.

(01/102) Hande Buse Şeker Case…

The trial of the case against police officer V.H. on the grounds of sexually assaulting and killing trans woman Hande Buse Şeker in Izmir on January 9, 2019, is held at Izmir Heavy Penal Court No 4 on January 13, 2020. The indictment demands sentence for the police officer on the charges of ‘injury by probable intent’, ‘wilful murder’, ‘qualified robbery with the use of weapon in property’, ‘insulting the memory of a person’, ‘qualified sexual assault’. After witness statements the court cancelled its previous decision on closed hearings and adjourned the trial to March 30, 2020.

(01/103) People on Trial in Şırnak…

The case against 16 people on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ for attending a commemoration in 2015 for 34 people who died due to an air bombardment to Roboski village of Uludere district of Şırnak on December 28, 2011; is held at Şırnak Heavy Penal Court No 2 on January 13, 2020. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to March 25, 2020.

(01/104) Ban of Events in Hakkari…

Hakkari Governorate made a declaration on January 13, 2020 and announced that, all open 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 January 14, 2020. This extended the ban on all events in Hakkari to 299 days since April 4, 2019.

(01/106) Suspended City Council Members…

On January 13, 2020, Ministry of Interior suspended 6 members, all from HDP, of city council in Sur district of Diyarbakır on the grounds of cases and investigations against them. Suspended city council members are: Sevim Coşkun, Ruşen Tayfun, Halime Akyol, Mürsel Erel and Yılmaz Eken.

[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]

11 – 13 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/064) Asylum Seekers Died in Izmir…

It is learned that 11 asylum seekers including 8 children died in a sinking boat in Aegean Sea near Çeşme district of Izmir on January 11, 2020. It is learned that 8 people were rescued from the boat.

(01/065) Prisoner Died in Hospital…

It is learned that Nebi İlhan, an ill prisoner kept in Siirt E Type Prison, died in Siirt Public Hospital on January 11, 2020. It is reported that Nebi İlhan has diabetes and hypertension and was in prison for 2 years; and had bypass two times before that.

(01/066) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 10, 2020 that, Mahsun Çay, a prisoner in Osmaniye T Type Prison No 2, was subjected to physical and verbal violence of the wardens for he rejected body search done three times in succession. It is also stated in the news reports that Mahsun Çay was penalised with 1 day of solitary confinement as a result of disciplinary proceedings against him.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 11, 2020 that, Mervan Dündar, who was transferred from Hakkari Prison to Van T Type Prison under coercion, was subjected to physical violence of the wardens for he rejected strip search at the entrance of prison. It is also reported that Mervan Dündar was not taken to hospital after that and was kept in solitary cell for 2 days.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 12, 2020 that in Kırıkkale F Type Prison, prisoners are transferred to hospital in single seated shuttles; are forced to be examined in handcuffs in hospital and are not examined and treated otherwise; surveillance cameras are put to record open-door areas in prison; prisoners are not let out to these areas in foggy days on the grounds of “security reasons”, personal belongings of prisoners are scattered around during ward searches and radios of prisoners are seized.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 13, 2020 that, Leyla Akyıldız, a prisoner kept in Istanbul Bakırköy Women’s Prison, was subjected to physical violence of the gendarmerie personnel on duty, for she rejected to be examined in handcuffs at hospital.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 13, 2020 that winter clothes sent by their families to prisoners in Istanbul Bakırköy Women’s Prison are not given to them.

(01/067) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 13, 2020 that, İlhan Özdemir, an ill prisoner with epilepsy who have had 2 implants in his skull due to brain surgery after a car crash, is kept in Ağrı Patnos L Type Prison and his right to health is prevented in prison.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 13, 2020 that, Hatice Güzel, a prisoner in Istanbul Bakırköy Women’s Prison is not referred to hospital.

(01/068) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…

It is learned that the appeal made on January 10, 2020 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s sister and brother and tutelary along with the families of Hamili Yıldırım, Ömer Hayri Konar and Veysel Aktaş in order to visit, was rejected the same day on the grounds of limitations for prisoners in accordance with the Law on the Execution of Criminal and Security Measures Number 5275.

(01/069) 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 1160 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 10, 11, and 12, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 10, 2020, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Alev Şahin and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 11, 2020, 2 people (Alev Şahin and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Alev Şahin and Merve Demirel) were detained.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 12, 2020, 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Merve Demirel) were detained.

Thus in total 12 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on January 10, 11, and 12, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/070) Police Intervention to a Protest in Düzce…

On January 12, 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 Justice and Development Party (AKP) provincial office and detained her. It is learned that Alev Şahin was released on the same day.

(01/071) Police Intervention to a Protest in Tunceli…

The police used pepper spray to intervene the protest of Munzur University students in Tunceli on January 11, 2020, who march for Gülistan Doku, a student who went missing since January 5, 2020. It is reported that nobody was detained in police intervention.

(01/072) 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 23 years in the same place to gather for the 772^nd time on January 11, 2020. Upon police prevention, the group including representatives of political parties, human rights defenders and artists along with families of disappeared people held a press declaration on the street of Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul office.

(01/073) Prevention of Human Rights Defenders’ Event in Istanbul…

“F sit-in”, which is organized for the 407^th time by Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch Prison Watch Committee, to demand release of ill prisoners, on January 11, 2020, is prevented by the police. The police obstructed all the streets around Galatasaray Square. Human rights defenders made the press declaration in front of IHD Istanbul office.

(01/074) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declaration of Worker Health and Worker Safety Council (ISIG) to announce “Labor Killings Report 2019” in front of Miner’s Monument in Çankaya district of Ankara on January 12, 2020; and detained 6 people. Detained 6 people (Kansu Yıldırım, Zarife Çalışkan, Osman Çokaman, Özgür Bozkurt, Furkan Bircan, Pınar Abdal) are released after statement procedures on the same day.

(01/075) Detained City Council Members in Diyarbakır…

Şahin Sağlam and Rıdvan Ezer, members of Diyarbakır city council from People’s Democratic Party (HDP), are detained on January 12, 2020. The reason of detention is unknown.

(01/076) Detained People in Mardin…

4 of 10 people (Church of Saint Jacob priest Sefer Bileçen, Musa Taştekin, Haşo Dinç and Mehmet Başak) who were detained on January 9, 2020 in house raids in Eskihisar, Üçköy and Üçyol villages of Nusaybin district of Mardin are referred to the court on January 10, 2020. The court arrested priest Sefer Bileçen on the charge of ‘aiding and abetting an illegal organisation’, and released 3 people on judicial control conditions.

(01/077) People Detained in Diyarbakır…

8 of 12 people who were detained on January 9, 2020 in house raids in rural neighbourhoods of Lice district of Diyarbakır are arrested by the court on the charge of ‘aiding and abetting an illegal organisation’ on January 12, 2020. 4 people are released on judicial control conditions.

(01/078) Person Detained in Ankara…

Kadriye İmir (70), mother of HDP Şırnak MP Nuran İmir, is detained on the grounds of a warrant at Ankara Esenboğa Airport after she arrived from Germany on January 11, 2020. It is learned that Kadriye İmir is released by the court on judicial control conditions on January 13, 2020.

(01/079) Former HDP MP on Trial…

The final trial of the case against former HDP Diyarbakır MP Çağlar Demirel is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 5 on January 10, 2020.

Çağlar Demirel did not join the trial due to health problems. The court rejected demand of Çağlar Demirel to attend the trials in person. The court sentenced Çağlar Demirel to 7 years and 6 months on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.

(01/080) Human Rights Defender on Trial in Van…

It is reported that Human Rights Association (IHD) Van branch chair Murat Melet is sentenced by Van Heavy Penal Court No 2, to 1 year and 4 months on the charge of ‘organising and leading illegal demonstrations’, for he attended a march for monitoring. It is learned from the news coverage of January 10, 2020 that Van Heavy Penal Court No 3 rejected the appeal to the verdict as a higher court.

(01/081) The Case Against People Evacuated from Sur…

On January 10, 2020, Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 5 made an interim assessment about Metin Tunç, one of 40 defendants including 19 arrestees who were evacuated from the buildings they were stuck in during the curfew in Sur district of Diyarbakır during February and March, 2016; and decided to continue trials for each defendant separately.

(01/082) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On January 10, 2020, 12 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 7 cities through an Ankara based investigation on Turkish Naval Forces; and 2 people are detained in Edirne in alleged attempt to illegally cross the border.

On January 12, 2020, 4 people in alleged attempt to illegally cross the border and 3 people who allegedly help them are detained in Edirne.

(01/083) Trustee Appointed for Suspended District Council Members…

It is learned that 3 public employees from several institutions in Bağlar district of Diyarbakır are appointed as trustees for suspended 3 members of district council on January 10, 2020 by Diyarbakır Governorate. Zeki Kanay, Ramazan Özçelik and Nursel Örnek, who were district council members from HDP, were suspended by Ministry of Interior on December 16, 2019, on the grounds of cases and investigations against them.

(01/084) Banned Book…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 10, 2020 that, Ergün Poyraz’s book “Ülkerler Dost mu Düşman mı?” (Ulker Holding: Friends or Enemies?), which is not published yet, is banned by provisional injunction of Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 12 upon charges pressed by Murat Ülker.

(01/085) Special Security Zone in Hakkari…

Hakkari Governorate made a declaration on January 11, 2020, and announced 5 areas of central, Çukurca, Şemdinli, Yüksekova and Derecik districts as special security zones as of January 12, 2019 until January 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]

10 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/052) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 9, 2020 that 3 HPG militants died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in Silopi district of Şırnak on November 19, 2019.

(01/053) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 9, 2020 that journalist Ruken Demir who is in Izmir Şakran Women’s Closed Prison, is prevented by prison administration from sending letters on the grounds that “she leaks information out”. It is also stated in the news reports that food given to prisoners contain bugs etc., clothes and books sent by families are not given to prisoners, and Yeni Yaşam, Evrensel and Birgün newspapers are not given either.

(01/054) 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 1157 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 9, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 9, 2020, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Merve Demirel and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained.

Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on January 9, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/055) Detained People in Mardin…

It is learned that 10 people including Church of Saint Jacob priest Sefer Bileçen, and Üçköy village local authority Joseph Yar are detained on the grounds of ‘aiding and abetting an illegal organisation’, in house raids in Eskihisar, Üçköy and Üçyol villages of Nusaybin district of Mardin on January 9, 2020. Names of detained people are: Sefer Bileçen, Joseph Yar, Musa Taştekin, Dıljin Dinç, Xaço Dinç, Mehmet Başak, Mahmut Başak and Süleyman Genç.

(01/056) Detained People in Maraş…

3 people (Nuri Çul, İbrahim Usta and Ahmet Taş) who were detained at a police control point in Elbistan district of Maraş on January 9, 2020, fort hey have a banner with photographs of Sakine Cansız, Fidan Doğan and Leyla Şaylemez, are released on the same day after statement procedures.

(01/057) Former HDP Co-Chair on Trial…

The case against People’s Democratic Party (HDP) former co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş is held at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 19 on January 9, 2020. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to May 27 and 28, 2020.

(10/058) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…

The final trial of the case against Osman Akın, former chief editor of Yeni Yaşam newspaper, is held at Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 2 on January 9, 2020. The court sentenced Osman Akın to 5 months on the charge of ‘degrading Turkish nation, state of Turkish Republic, the organs and institutions of the state’ and deferred the announcement of the verdict.

(01/059) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…

The first trial of the case against Cumhuriyet newspaper reporter Seyhan Avşar, on the charge of ‘targeting a public officer’ for her news reports “Prosecutor of Sözcü case is an ex-convict”, is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 29, on January 9, 2020. The court adjourned the trial to May 21, 2020.

(01/060) Journalists on Trial in Istanbul…

The case against Cumhuriyet newspaper reporters Alican Uludağ and Duygu Güvenç, for the news reports on house confinement of USA citizen pastor Andrew Brunson, on the charge of ‘degrading state of Turkish Republic, and the organs and institutions of the state’ as to Article 301 of Turkish Penal Code, is held at Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 2 on January 9, 2020. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to April 16, 2020.

(01/061) People on Trial in Şırnak…

The case against 5 people [Mehmet Demir (former co-mayor of Kumçatı town of Şırnak), Veli Encu, and HDP employees Salih Kerçin, Mazlum Güzel and Şehmus Kerçin], on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ is held at Şırnak Heavy Penal Court No 1 on January 9, 2020. The court decided to continue detention of 5 people and adjourned the trial to January 28, 2020. 5 people were detained on May 22, 2019 and were arrested on May 24, 2019.

(01/062) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

The final trial of the case against 20 people is held at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 24 on January 9, 2020. The court sentenced Cafer Tekin İpek to 6 years and 3 months and to a fine of 250.000 Turkish Liras on the charge of ‘violating capital market law’, to 62 years 2 months and 21 days on the charge of ‘violating tax procedure law’, and to 11 years and 3 months on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court sentenced Melek İpek to 4 years and 2 months and to a fine of 104.100 Turkish Liras on the charge of ‘violating capital market law’, and to 7 years and 6 months on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court sentenced 4 people to jail penalties from 6 years 3 months to 9 years 4 months and 15 days on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’; 1 person to 18 years 7 months and 22 days on the charge of ‘forgery’; 8 people to 2 years and 1 month on the charge of ‘knowingly and willingly aiding an illegal organisation’. The court ruled to confiscate shares of 5 people in Koza-İpek Company. The court separated the cases against 5 people.

(01/063) Constitutional Court Decision on Freedom of Expression…

It is learned that Constitutional Court concluded on the appeal of Şaban Sevinç, former editor in chief of Halk TV channel. Şaban Sevinç was sentenced to a fine of 4.700 Turkish Liras by Ankara Penal Court of First Instance No 30, on the charge of ‘publicly insulting an officer’, for saying “court jester” about Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Justice and Development Party (AKP) Samsun MP and Minister of Youth and Sports. The court decided that freedom of expression of Şaban Sevinç was violated by penalty fine and sent the verdict to the local court for re-trial.

[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]

9 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/044) Military Operation to North and East Syria…

Ministry of National Defence announced that 4 soldiers died in a bombing attack in Resulayn city within Turkish Armed Forces operation to north and east Syria on January 8, 2020.

(01/045) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…

It is claimed in the news coverage of January 8, 2020 that, a 5-years-old child who was visiting his father in Bafra T Type Prison, was subjected to strip search. People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Kocaeli MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu submitted a parliamentary question about this allegation, addressing Ministry of Justice Abdülhamit Gül. The question demands to clarification on whether this allegation is true or not and if it is true, whether an investigation is initiated against responsible personnel and which rule and regulation implies strip search for children.  

It is learned from the news coverage of January 8, 2020 that, Dilan Örenci, HDP co-mayor of Özalp district of Van, is transferred from Van T Type Prison to Erzurum E Type Prison under coercion. Dilan Örenci was detained on December 6, 2019 and was arrested by the court on December 9, 2019. Ministry of Interior appointed a trustee to Özalp district of December 6, 2019.

It is learned from the news coverage of January 8, 2020 that, the letter of Grup Yorum band member Barış Yüksel, who is on hunger strike in Silivri Prison No 9, addressed to a newspaper, was censored leaving only the name, by prison administration.

(01/046) 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 1156 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 8, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 8, 2020, 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Merve Demirel and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained. It is reported that the police forced Merve Demirel down on her face on wet ground and handcuffed her behind her back at 18.00.

Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on January 8, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/047) Journalist on Trial in Diyarbakır…

The first trial against Mezopotamya News Agency reporter Arjin Dilek Öncel is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 11 on January 8, 2020

The indictment demands jail sentence from 1 year and 6 months to 7 years and 6 months on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ in social media posts.

After defence hearings the court announced the verdict and acquitted Arjin Dilek Öncel.

(01/048) Journalist on Trial in Muş…

The first trial of the case against İdris Sayılğan, reporter of Dicle News Agency which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, is held at Muş Heavy Penal Court No 2 on January 8, 2020.

The indictment demands sentence for İdris Sayılğan on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’.

İdris Sayılğan, attended the trial and stated that he was charged for his social media posts before and was sentenced to 8 years and 3 months. İdris Sayılğan’s lawyers demanded acquittal since a trial have been held on the same charge for the same deeds.

After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to March 25, 2020.

(01/049) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

On January 8, 2020, 6 people are detained in operations covering 4 cities through a Balıkesir based investigation.

(01/050) Ban of Events in Van…

Van Governorate made a declaration on January 8, 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 January 9, 2020. All events are banned in Van for 1159 days since November 21, 2016.

(01/051) Proceedings Against Parliamentary Member…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 8, 2020 that, a proceeding is submitted to Grand National Assembly, demanding lift of impunity of HDP Adana MP Tülay Hatimoğulları for attending Ahmet Atakan’s funeral who died during Gezi Park protests in Hatay on September 10, 2013.

[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]

04 – 06 January 2020 Daily Human Rights Report

(01/016) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…

It is learned from January 4, 2020 that 2 HPG militants died in an air operation of Turkish Armed Forces to Avaşin area in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on January 2, 2020.

(01/017) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…

It is learned that the appeal made on January 3, 2020 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s sister and brother and tutelary along with the families of Hamili Yıldırım, Ömer Hayri Konar and Veysel Aktaş in order to visit, was rejected the same day on the grounds of limitations for prisoners in accordance with the Law on the Execution of Criminal and Security Measures Number 5275.

(01/018) 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 1153 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on January 3, 4, and 5, 2020 at 13.30, and at 18.00.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 3, 2020, 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 4, 2020, 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Mehmet Dersulu) and at 18.00 1 person (Mehmet Dersulu) were detained.

It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on January 5, 2020, 2 people (Alev Şahin and Acun Karadağ) and at 18.00 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained.

Thus in total 11 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on January 3, 4, and 5, 2020. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained.

(01/019) 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 23 years in the same place to gather for the 771^st time on January 4, 2020. Upon police prevention, the group including representatives of political parties, human rights defenders and artists along with families of disappeared people held a press declaration on the street of Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul office.

(01/020) Prevention of Human Rights Defenders’ Event in Istanbul…

 “F sit-in”, which is organized for the 406^th time by Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch Prison Watch Committee, to demand release of ill prisoners, on January 4, 2020, is prevented by the police. The police obstructed all the streets around Galatasaray Square. Human rights defenders made the press declaration in front of IHD Istanbul office.

(01/021) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…

The police intervened the press declaration at Güvenpark in Ankara on January 3, 2020, which was held to support Mustafa Koçak, and detained 2 people (Cemile Temizkalp and Sercan Çakır). Mustafa Koçak is on indefinite hunger strike for 97 days in Izmir Şakran T Type Prison No 2, demanding a fair trial.

(01/022) Police Intervention to Protests of Carriers in Konya and Urfa…

On January 3, 2020 the police intervened carriers who block Konya-Istanbul highway to protest new regulation which proposes Electronic Transportation Tracking and Control System, tachograph and data transfer from vehicles as obligatory by January 1, 2020. It is learned that at least 1 person is detained.

The police prevented the press declaration to be held in Urfa for the same cause, on the grounds of governorate’s ban on activities all over the city. Upon prevention carriers attempted to block Urfa-Akçakale roadway and at least 3 people are detained by the police intervening them. The names of detained people are unknown.

(01/023) Journalist in Istanbul on Trial…

On January 3, 2020, Penal Department No 3 of Istanbul Regional Court concluded on the appeal of 5 years and 11 months of sentence given by Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 26 to journalist and writer Ahmet Altan, on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and ‘insulting the President’. The appeal is rejected and sentence given to Ahmet Altan is approved. It is learned that Ahmet Altan’s lawyers will appeal to Supreme Court.

(01/024) Constitutional Court Decision on Union Member…

Constitutional Court’s decision on the appeal of Pınar Çankaya, a member of Education and Science Employees’ Union (Eğitim-Sen), is published on the official gazette on January 3, 2020. The court found the appeal of Pınar Çankaya who was subjected to an administrative investigation for attending a strike action organized by the union and was penalised with salary deduction at a rate of 1/30 percent, inadmissible. The reason of the court’s decision is stated as following: “Strike actions attended by union members which are in line with activities of trade unions as pressure groups against political authority apart from their activities for protecting and developing financial and social rights and interests of their members, is considered out of core activities of unions”.

(01/025) Discrimination Against People Dismissed by State of Emergency Decrees…

It is learned from the news coverage of January 5, 2020, a doctor, dismissed by a state of emergency decree, who applied to a bank to open an account was rejected by the bank on the grounds of being dismissed, and was rejected by arbitration board of Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency too, on the grounds that “banks are free to determine whom to work with”.

On December 31, 2019, a bank in Gaziantep did not pay the money transferred to Suzan Uzpak, dismissed by a state of emergency decree, on the grounds of “banned ID number”; and Uzpak was paid after reactions.

(01/026) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

Harun Çelik, who was detained by Turkish National Intelligence in Albania on January 2, 2020 is arrested by the court on January 3, 2020.

(01/027) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…

The final trial of the case against 72 people, including 70 former students of Air Force Academy and 2 soldiers is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 24 on January 3, 2020 The court sentenced 70 former students to life imprisonment on the charge of ‘violation of the Constitution’ and ruled no sentence for 2 soldiers.

[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.