23-29 July 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(07/071) 15 July 2016 Coup d’État Attempt…
Following coup d’état attempt on 15 July 2016 in Turkey by the junta called “Yurtta Sulh Konseyi / Peace at Hoe Council” in the military, measures continued to be taken against Gülenist Movement in the Turkish Army, bureaucracy, and non-governmental organisations.
Amnesty International made an announcement concerning the allegations on the torture and ill-treatment arrested military personal subjected to. Amnesty International announced that military personal were subjected to torture and rape according to the witnesses of the forensic physicians. The organisation also stressed its concerns about the torture incidents.
Amnesty International also announced that the arrestees were forced to stand still for 48 hours, were not given food and water; were not provided medical services.
Following the statement of the Amnesty International Ministry of Justice Bekir Bozdağ made an announcement and alleged that “no one was subjected to torture during detention or in custody”. The statement of the Minister was also published on the web site of the ministry:
“Amnesty International which was allegedly founded to fight for human rights, rule of law, and democracy did not mention in its statement the coup d’état attempt against the State President and elected government; attempt to overthrow the constitutional order; bombing of the parliament; civilians who tried to stop military tanks; firings against and killings of civilians; killing or wounding of hundreds of civilians, police officers, and soldiers. They did not criticise coup d’état attempt. All these prove that they are not objective and unbiased.”
According to the official announcement, 15,846 persons were detained, 9,056 persons were arrested following the coup d’état attempt. Passports of 21,060 persons were rendered invalid.
The number of casualties during the coup d’état attempt reached 246 persons including 179 civilians, 62 police officers, and 5 soldiers. 2,185 persons were wounded.
8 persons who objected continuous salaams from the mosques in Torbalı district of İzmir were arrested on 22 July 2016 on the allegations “of supporting the coup d’état attempt”.
During the session of the parliament on 26 July 2016, a commission was decided unanimously to be founded for the investigation of coup d’état attempt.
The 1st decree having force of law after the declaration of state of emergency was published on the Official Gazette on 22 July 2016.
Following the 1st decree having force of law after the declaration of state of emergency the period of detention was prolonged to 30 days.
With the decree 35 health care organisation, 934 schools, 109 dormitories, 104 foundations, 1125 associations, 15 universities, and 19 unions were closed and banned from activity.
The following universities were closed:
1- Altın Koza (İpek) Üniversitesi (Ankara)
2- Bursa Orhangazi Üniversitesi (Bursa)
3- Canik Başarı Üniversitesi (Samsun)
4- Selahattin Eyyubi Üniversitesi (Diyarbakır)
5- Fatih Üniversitesi (İstanbul)
6- Melikşah Üniversitesi (Kayseri)
7- Mevlana Üniversitesi (Konya)
8- Şifa Üniversitesi (İzmir)
9- Turgut Özal Üniversitesi (Ankara)
10- Zirve Üniversitesi (Gaziantep)
11- Kanuni Üniversitesi (Adana)
12- İzmir Üniversitesi (İzmir)
13- Murat Hüdavendigar Üniversitesi (İstanbul)
14- Gediz Üniversitesi (İzmir)
15- Süleyman Şah Üniversitesi (İstanbul)
The closed unions are as follows: Unions under Cihan-Sen: Ufuk Büro, Akif Eğitim, Ufuk Sağlık, Ufuk Yerel, Ufuk Haber, Ufuk Kültür, Ufuk Bayındır, Ufuk Ulaştırma, Ufuk Tarım Orman ve Ufuk Enerji. Unions under the confederation Aksiyon İş: Pak Gıda İş, Pak Maden İş, Pak Finans İş, Pak Eğitim İş, Pak Toprak İş, Pak Metal İş, Pak Enerji İş, Pak Taşıma İş and Pak Deniz İş.
The 2nd decree having force of law was published on the Official Gazette on 27 July 2016.
45 papers, 16 TV stations, 15 journals and magazines, 3 news agencies, 23 radio stations, and 29 publishing companies were closed. The Minister Transportation was also authorised to close any media company having relation to an organisation or a group threatening national security.
Following papers were closed with the decree: Millet, Bugün, Meydan, Özgür Düşünce, Taraf, Yarına Bakış, Yeni Hayat, Zaman, Today’s Zaman, Adana haber, Adana medya, Akdeniz Türk, Şuhut’un Sesi, Kurtuluş, Lider, İscehisar Durum, Türkeli, Antalya, Yerel Bakış, Nazar, Batman, Batman Postası, Batman Doğuş, Bingöl Olay, İrade, İskenderun Olay, Ekonomi, Ege’de Son Söz, Demokrat Gebze, Kocaeli Manşet, Bizim Kocaeli, Haber Kütahya, Gediz, Zafer, Hisar, Turgutlu Havadis, Milas Feza, Türkiye’de Yeni Yıldız, Hakikat, Urfa Haber Ajansı, Ajan11, Yeni Emek, Banaz Postası, Merkür Haber.
Closed TV stations: Barış TV, Bugün TV, Can Erzincan TV, Dünya TV, Hira TV, Irmak TV, Kanal 124, Kanaltürk, Mc TV, Mehtap TV, Merkür TV, Samanyolu haber, Samanyolu TV, Srt Televizyonu, Tuna Shopping, Yumurcak TV.
Closed journals and magazines: Sızıntı, Nokta, Aksiyon, Akademik Araştırmalar Dergisi, Asya Pasifik, Bisiklet Çocuk, Diyalog Avrasya, Ekolife, Ekoloji, Fountain, Gonca, Gül Yaprağı, Yağmur, Yeni Ümit, Zirve.
Closed news agencies: Cihan Haber Ajansı, Muhabir Haber Ajansı, Sem Haber Ajansı.
Closed radio stations: Aksaray Mavi Radyo, Aktüel Radyo, Berfin FM, Burç FM, Cihan Radyo, Dünya Radyo, Esra Radyo, Haber Radyo Ege, Herkül FM, Jest FM, Kanaltürk Radyo, Radyo 59, Radyo Aile Rehberi, Radyo Bamteli, Radyo Cihan, Radyo Fıkıh, Radyo Küre, Radyo Mehtap, Radyo Nur, Radyo Şimşek, Samanyolu Haber Radyosu, Umut FM, Yağmur FM.
Closed publishing companies: Altın Burç, Burak Basın Yayın, Define, Dolunay Eğitim, Giresun Basın Yayın, Gonca, Gülyurdu, GYV, Işık Akademi, Işık Özel Eğitim, Işık, İklim Basım Yayın Pazarlama, Kaydırak, Kaynak, Kervan Basın, Kuşak, Muştu, Nil, Rehber, Sürat Basım Yayın Reklâmcılık, Sütun, Şahdamar, Ufuk Basın Yayın Haber Ajans Pazarlama, Ufuk Yayınları, Waşanxaneya Nil, Yay Basın Dağıtım Paz. Reklâmcılık, Yeni Akademi,Yitik Hazine, Zambak Basım Yayın Eğitim Turizm.
According to the decrees, the public servants who were recalled in connection with coup d’état attempt were revoked the right of returning to duty. Council of Ministers was authorised for new public servant appointments and the number of the new public servants to be appointed decided to be unlimited.
The police was also authorised with the decrees to act without the decision of a public prosecutor or judge. The police was authorised to interrogate arrestees or convicts.
149 generals and admirals, 1099 officers, 436 non-commissioned officers were dismissed from the military.
The number of persons suspended from duty reached 66,036.
(07/071) Extra-judicial Killing Attempt in Diyarbakır…
Ferhat Teter (24) was wounded when gendarmerie soldiers opened fire against a vehicle on 25 July 2016 on Batman-Diyarbakır road nearby Malabadi Gendarmerie Station in Silvan district of Diyarbakır.
(07/061) Extra-judicial Killing in Van…
Tahir Çaylak was shot to death when military troops opened fire on Çulhacı street during the operations conducted following an armed clash in Xaçort quarter of İpekyolu district in Van.
(07/059) Armoured Vehicle Hit Child in Van…
Taha Kılıç (4) was killed when an armoured police vehicle hit him on 24 July 2016 in front of Security Directorate in İpekyolu district of Van. The grandfather Abdulgafur Yıldız who witnessed the incident announced that his grandson was ran over in a side street and he said: “They did it on purpose. They disappeared without a backward glance. It could have been an accident on an avenue. But this is a small side street. They were driving so fast, they were wild-eyed to run over people.”
(07/066) Persons Killed and Buried during Curfews…
1 female and 4 male members of YPS who were killed during the curfew and operations in Şırnak were buried on 27 July 2016 for not being identified.
The bodies of 1 female and 2 male YPS members were found on 24 July 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin where the operations were concluded.
(07/068) Curfew in Nusaybin…
Curfew and operations in Nusaybin district of Mardin reached 134th day as of 26 April 2016. The Governorate announced that curfew was lifted in the district except for the quarters Abdulkadir Paşa, Fırat, Dicle, Yenişehir, Zeynel Abidin and Kışla.
Following the decision of the Governorate, committees visited the quarters where the curfew was lifted. According to the field visits, almost all the buildings were demolished and there were traces of bullets on all buildings.
(07/069) Stop warning in Muş…
10 persons were wounded when gendarmerie soldiers opened fire against vehicles on the allegations that the drivers did not obey the stop warning on 25 July 2016 in Erentepe town of Bulanık district in Muş. 5 persons were heavily wounded during the incident.
(07/052) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
1 civilian was killed and 2 civilians were wounded when an armed clash broke out on 24 July 2016 in Xaçort quarter of İpekyolu district in Van.
3 soldiers were killed when a bomb exploded on 27 July 2016 during the passage of a military vehicle nearby Karaboğazı village on Siirt-Eruh road.
2 police officers died, 10 police officers and 1 civilian were wounded when Depin Police Control Point was attacked with a bomb vehicle on 27 July 2016 in Hakkari.
According to the news appeared in the press, 1 soldier and 2 militants were killed, 2 soldiers and 2 police officers were wounded when an armed clash broke out on 26 July 2016 after the attack against a military troop in Xacort quarter on İpekyolu district in Van.
1 soldier was killed and 1 soldier was wounded when a military troop was attack on 26 July in Silvan district of Diyarbakır. The troop was providing security for the construction of Silvan Dam.
1 soldier was reportedly killed when an armed attack was organised 18 July 2016 by Peoples’ United Revolution Movement (HBDH) composed of 8 Marxist-Leninist organisations in the rural area of Ovacık district in Tunceli.
1 police officer was killed and 4 police officers were wounded when an armed clash broke out following an attack against a police control point on 23 July 2016 in the city centre of Tunceli.
YPS member Rıdvan Güngen who was killed during the curfew in Şırnak was buried on 27 July 2916 after being identified.
3 police officers were killed when a bomb exploded during the passage of an armoured vehicle on 25 July 2016 nearby Hayırlı village of Kızıltepe district in Mardin.
(07/056) Disappearance in Custody in Şırnak…
According to the news appeared in the press on 24 July 2016, Yusuf Üstek (60) who was disappeared after being detained on 20 July 2016 in Bilmad hamlet of Şırnak was in custody in Anti-Terror branch in Şırnak. Both the Security Directorate and Gendarmerie Command in Şırnak did not reply previously the applications concerning the condition of Yusuf Üstek.
(07/057) Torture and Ill-treatment in Custody…
13 persons including ETHA news agency correspondent Ezgi Özer who were detained during house raids on 24 July 2016 in Tunceli were reportedly subjected to torture in Anti-Terror Branch. According to the public statement, the detainees were beaten in custody.
(07/063) Torture and Ill-treatment in Custody Allegation…
Lawyers of Mehmet Ali Genç and Metin Kösemen who were detained on 23 July 2016 in Şanlıurfa made a public statement on 28 July 2016. The lawyers announced that they were not given information on the accusations and period of detention. They also stressed that their clients were subjected to systematic torture. Following the 1st decree having force of law after the declaration of state of emergency the period of detention was prolonged to 30 days.
(07/064) Torture and Ill-treatment in Custody…
According to the news appeared in the press on 27 July 2016, B.I. (15-male) and his big brother Ozan I. (19) who were detained during a house raid in Sixkê quarter of İpekyolu district in Van were subjected to torture in custody. Ozan I. was arrested on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
(07/054) Death in Prison…
Hasan Hayri Alp incarcerated in Sincan (Ankara) F-type Prison reportedly had heart attack on 19 July 2016 and died.
(07/058) Death in Prison…
Lieutenant Colonel İsmail Çakmak who was arrested on the allegations of “attempting to overthrow constitutional order” for being involved the coup d’état attempt and being member of the junta called “Yurtta Sulh Konseyi / Peace at Hoe Council” allegedly committed suicide on 23 July 2016 in his cell in Silivri (İstanbul) L-type Prison by hanging himself.
(07/051) Investigations, Detentions and Arrests on the Allegations of Insulting State President…
E.D. (23) who was detained in Seferihisar district of İzmir on the allegations of “insulting the State President” through comments on social media was arrested on 27 July 2016.
D.B. who was detained after having a dispute with a group of persons gathered in Konak Square in İzmir on 17 July 2016 to protest in the coup d’état attempt was arrested on 23 July 2016 on the allegations of “insulting the State President”.
Actor and Greens and the Left Party of the Future executive for Mersin province Ali Sesal was detained on 22 July 2016 when he went to Security Directorate to testify in connection with an investigation. He was arrested on the same day on the allegations of “insulting the State President”.
K.V. who was detained in Lüleburgaz district of Kırklareli on the allegations of “insulting the State President” through comments on social media was arrested on 24 July 2016.
Ferdi K. (25) who was detained in Çaycuma district of Zonguldak on the allegations of “insulting the State President” through comments on social media was arrested on 25 July 2016.
Mehmet Yurtman (25) who was detained in Karaisalı district of Adana on the allegations of “insulting the State President” through comments on social media was arrested on 28 July 2016.
Tuğba K. who was detained in Manavgat district of Antalya on the allegations of “insulting the State President” through comments on social media was arrested on 27 July 2016.
(07/060) Journalist Convicted in Mersin…
Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 2 started on 26 July 2016 to hear the case against the journalist Emin Demir who was arrested on 31 May 2016 in connection with the messages he shared on social media. The indictment wanted the defendant to be sentenced for “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
Emin Demir testified at the hearing from Osmaniye F-type Prison through SEGBİS teleconference system. The court sentenced the defendant to 4 years’ imprisonment and released the defendant relying on the period he served during trial.
(07/065) Web Site Banned…
On 27 July 2016, Telecommunication Communication Directorate (TİB) banned access to the new domain of Dicle News Agency (DİHA). The number of the banned domains of DİHA reportedly reached 43. Access to the web site of the daily Özgür Gündem was also banned on the same day.
(07/070) Journalist Detained and Arrested in connection with Coup d’État Attempt…
Muhammed Taşçılar, owner of the local news portal sanliurfa.com, and editor-in-chief ot he portal Mehmet Dener who were detained in Şanlıurfa were arrested on 23 July 2016 on the allegations of “being member of the Gülenist Movement (FETÖ/PDY – Fettullah Terror Organisation / Parallel State Structure)”.
Aytekin Gezici and Abdullah Özyurt who were among 6 journalists detained in Adana were also arrested on 26 July 2016 for the same allegations.
(07/062) Persons on Trial in Mersin…
According to the news appeared in the press on 28 July 2016, a court case was launched against members of the political parties Kahraman Oğuz, Hüseyin Gür, Müslüm Tank, Özgür Polat, Sevgi Aktaş, Halil Göktürk, Umut Çevik, Pelin Kahiloğulları, Yusuf Gözen, Ufuk Sultanoğulları, Mustafa Göğüş, Esra Güzel Ersoy, Güngör Didar Gül, Mert Üçler, Nurcan Tunç, Besime Özveren. The case was reportedly launched in connection with public statements they took part.
The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” and Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 5 September 2016.
(07/067) Person on Trial in Hakkari…
Yüksekova (Hakkari) Heavy Penal Court started on 27 July 2016 to hear the case against Gever People’s Assembly Co-Chair Sibel Çapraz. She was wounded when the police opened fire from armoured vehicles during the operations conducted on 28 November 2015 in Yüksekova (Gever) district of Hakkari. She was arrested on 2 March 2016 after the completion of her treatment in İstanbul. The indictment wants her to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Sibel Çapraz testified at the hearing from Menemen (İzmir) R-type Prison through SEGBİS teleconference system. The court rejected the release demand of the defendant to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 25 October 2016.
(07/053) Persons on Trial in Hakkari…
Hakkari heavy Penal Court No 2 started on 20 July 2016 to hear the case against 9 persons including Hakkari Vice-Co-Mayor Derya Çiftçi who were detained during the operations conducted in Hakkari and arrested on 13 April 2016 on the allegations of “inciting people to uprising through declarations of self-governance”.
The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “attempting to disrupt the unity and territorial integrity of the state”. After the identification and testimonies of the defendants, the court adjourned the hearing to 17 August 2016 for the completion of testimonies.
(07/055) Detentions and Arrests…
Ş.S. (15) who was detained during a road control in Nusaybin district of Mardin was arrested on 20 July 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” through social media messages.
Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair for Varto district of Muş province Mahir Yılmaz, DBP executives for the district Ramazan Aktaş and Yunus Vural were detained on 22 July 2016 while visiting the shop owners in the districts.
Mahir Yılmaz was arrested on 25 July 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
JINHA news agency correspondent Zehra Doğan who was among 2 persons detained during ID control in Mardin was arrested on 23 July 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
Municipality Assembly member Amine Gündüz who was detained in Silvan district of Diyarbakır was arrested on 23 July 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
DİHA news agency correspondents Selami Aslan and Mehmet Sıddık Damar, JINHA news agency correspondents Esra Aydın and Ceylan Eraslan were detained on 26 July 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin where curfew was imposed in 6 neighbourhoods.
5 persons who were distributing the paper “Ekmek ve Onur (Labour and Honour)” to the dock workers on 28 July 2016 in Tuzla district of İstanbul.
Zeynel Abidin Bulut, editor of the paper Azadiya Welat, was arrested on 25 July 2016 on the grounds that his sentence in a court case was confirmed by the Court of Cassation.