Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]
26-30 October 2024 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/317) Operations and Attacks…
The Ministry of National Defence (MSB) announced on 25 October 2024 that 1 soldier (Kander Babür) who was transferred to Şehit Tümgeneral Aydoğan Aydın State Hospital due to a health problem during the ‘’Pençe-Kaplan‘’ operation in the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), died in the hospital.
It is learned from the news coverage of 29 October 2024 that, 1 militant died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Mardin on 25 October 2024.
(10/318) Suspicious Death in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of 29 October 2024 that Adnan Karayiğit, a prisoner in Iğdır S Type Prison, lost his life on 28 October 2028. It is claimed in the news reports that Adnan Karayiğit committed suicide. Adnan Karayiğit’s father stated the following to the press: ‘No one told us that our child died and we learned this thanks to an acquaintance. Our son is not a person who would commit suicide. When we asked ‘Who threatened you?’ in our last phone call, he said ‘I cannot tell you, the phones are being listened to’. We do not know who threatened him. If he was threatened by anyone in the ward, he would have told us (…) We will see what will happen after the autopsy procedures.’
(10/319) Torture and Other Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of 25 October 2024 that, 3 prisoners (Dilber Tanrıkulu, Gülşen Bahadır and Zozan Kutum) in Kocaeli Kandıra High Security Prison No 1 were transferred to solitary confinement after the verdict of aggravated life sentence given in the case against them was approved. It is learned that Dilber Tanrıkulu, who is on the list of ill prisoners of Human Rights Association (IHD), cannot meet her needs on her own due to her illness, the rooms where prisoners are kept are not hygienic and there are rats in them, and the ventilators are closed due to bad odours coming from the ventilation.
It is learned from the news coverage of 29 October 2024 that, Abdurrahman Gemicioğlu, an ill prisoner in Van High-Security Prison with various health problems including colon cancer, who was taken from the hospital to the prison infirmary on 4 October 2024 before his treatment was completed, was taken to intensive care unit of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty Training and Research Hospital on 25 October 2024 due to health problems and was kept in handcuffs.
(10/320) Prisoner Whose Release Was Postponed by the Prison Administration and Observation Board…
It is learned from the news coverage of 26 October 2024 that, the release of Lokman Yalçın, a prisoner in Bitlis Ahlat T Type Prison, who completed the execution of his prison sentence in January 2024, was postponed for the third time by the Prison Administration and Observation Board (CİGK) decision in September 2024 and was extended for 3 more months. It is also reported in the news that appeals to the Tatvan Execution Judgeship and Tatvan Heavy Penal Court against CIGK’s decision were rejected.
Lokman Yalçın’s release had previously been postponed twice for 4 months each by a decision of the CİGK.
(10/321) Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan not Responded to…
It is learned that the appeal made on October 25, 2024, to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bursa by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s family and tutelary along with the families and tutelary of Ömer Hayri Konar, Hamili Yıldırım and Veysi Aktaş in İmralı Prison was not responded.
It is learned that the appeal made on October 28, 2024, to the chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by lawyers in order to visit their clients PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, Ömer Hayri Konar, Hamili Yıldırım and Veysi Aktaş in İmralı Prison was not responded.
(10/322) Torture and Other Ill-Treatment in Urfa…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 26, 2024 that, 3 workers who were doing excavation work with construction equipment in Karaköprü district of Urfa were subjected to physical violence by 2 plainclothes police officers who asked them to stop the work on the grounds of a complaint against them. It is learned from the news reports that the police officers also opened fire in the air, 3 workers were detained by other police officers on the grounds of ‘resisting to prevent duty’ and were subjected to physical violence by the police officers on duty at Karaköprü Police Station where they were taken and were injured. It is also reported in the news that 3 detained workers were taken directly to the police station without being taken to hospital, the doctor at the hospital where they were taken on October 27, 2024, did not give a medical report documenting the torture and ill-treatment they were subjected to, and 3 workers were forced to sign a report without their lawyers, and the report did not contain any statement about torture and ill-treatment the workers were subjected to. 1 of 3 workers (Ahmet Pakır) was arrested by the criminal peace judgeship on 27 October 2024. The names of the detained persons are Ahmet Pakır, Mehmet Pakır, and Ramazan Pakır.
Kenan Demir, the lawyer of the workers, stated the following to the press ‘ (…) According to the procedure of the Criminal Procedure Code, people should first be taken to a hospital for a report on the beatings, but they are taken directly to the police station without this. Here they were taken to a room and 15-20 people pounced on 3 people. When I went to the police station, I saw that the workers were not in good condition. One of them was half unconscious, they were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Then they came to the police centre again, but their statements were not taken at night and they were kept waiting until the morning. In the morning they were forced to sign the minutes without a lawyer (…) There is no statement in the minutes about the beating of the workers’.
The Governorate of Urfa made the following statement on 26 October 2024: ‘On Saturday, 26 October 2024, three people were neutralized by using proportionate force, and judicial action was taken against them after they resisted our police teams who arrived at the scene of the incident in Güllübağ neighborhood of Karaköprü district. An investigation has been initiated regarding the allegations against the police personnel related to the incident in the press. The issue is closely monitored by our Governorate’.
(10/323) Torture and Other Ill-Treatment Under Custody…
It is learned that lawyer Dilek Ekmekçi, who was released on the trial held on 22 October 2024, was detained again on 24 October 2024 and was subjected to physical violence by the police while being taken to the courthouse. It is stated in the news reports that lawyer Dilek Ekmekçi was not admitted to Istanbul Bakırköy Women’s Prison because of the scars on her body due to torture and ill-treatment, but was admitted to prison after getting a medical report documenting torture and ill-treatment.
(10/324) Torture and Other Ill-Treatment in Şırnak…
It is learned from the news coverage of 30 October 2024 that, people were subjected to torture and ill-treatment by the police during a house raid in the Cizre district of Şırnak and at least 2 people were wounded.
Orhan Üzen, father of Abdülkerim Üzen, who was detained in a house raid, stated the following to the press: ‘They raided our house at around 05.00 in the morning. As soon as we opened the door, they pounced on us. They asked about my son. My son said ‘what do you want from my father if you’re looking for me’. Then they attacked my son. 4 people jumped on my son and started to hit him. They hit him in the face with a stock. When we objected to the situation, they attacked us too. I was hit on my shoulder, I still have a bruise on my shoulder. They hit my son against the wall. Blood was coming from my son’s mouth. His lip burst (…) They made us lie on the ground and beat us. They tore the clothes of my son who was taken into custody. I have his torn t-shirt here. They took him naked to the hospital. We took his clothes and went to the hospital. We were not even allowed to give him his clothes’.
(10/325) Racist Attack on a Wedding in Çanakkale…
It is learned from the news coverage of 28 October 2024 that, a racist group attacked a wedding in the Çan district of Çanakkale on 26 October 2028, on the grounds of Kurdish songs being played. It is learned that a person was attacked by the group and his phone and money were extorted from him after the wedding which ended early due to the racist attack. It is reported that 10 people including the attacker were detained and were released after statement procedures at the prosecutor’s office.
(10/326) Racist Attack at a University…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 30, 2024, that, a racist group tore the banners hanging on the ‘Women’s Wall’ at the Middle East Technical University (METU) campus in Ankara, and burnt a banner saying ‘Where is Gülistan Doku?’ in Kurdish. It is learned that the group then marched through the campus with racist slogans.
(10/327) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 25, 2024, that 2 people (Adem Özköse and 1 person whose name is unknown) who protested the participation of a UK-based defense company, which is reported to have arms trade relations with Israel, in SAHA EXPO 2024 International Defence, Aviation and Space Industry Fair, which was held at Istanbul Expo Centre between October 22-26, 2024, with the support of Presidency of Defence Industries, were detained by the police after being covered their mouths to prevent them from chanting slogans. It is also reported in the news that 2 people were released on the same day.
(10/328) Press Statement Prevented by the Police in Istanbul…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 26, 2024, that, the police prevented the press statement to be read by SAADET Party Istanbul Provincial Youth Branches to protest the participation of a UK-based defense company, which is reported to have arms trade relations with Israel, in SAHA EXPO 2024 International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair held at Istanbul Expo Centre between October 22-26, 2024 with the support of Presidency of Defence Industries.
(10/329) Police Intervention Against a Press Statement in Istanbul…
On 30 October 2024, the police intervened against the press statement in front of the Istanbul Çağlayan Courthouse for the closure of Y and S type prisons and detained 4 people (Feridun Osmanağaoğlu, Hasan Basri Yıldız, Yıldız Turan and Ayşe Lerzan Conde). 4 people were released the same day after statement procedures at the police.
(10/330) Former Party Executive Arrested in Diyarbakır…
Muhlise Karagüzel, former Muş provincial co-chair of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), was detained and arrested on 25 October 2024 in Diyarbakır on the warrant issued by Muş Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, after her application for postponement of execution was rejected, and was sent to Diyarbakır Women’s Prison. It is also reported in the news that Muhlise Karagüzel has a ‘cannot stay in prison’ report issued by the Forensic Medicine Institution (ATK).
Muhlise Karagüzel was detained on August 9, 2019 and was arrested on August 10, 2019 on the charge of ‘being a member of an illegal organization’. The sentence of Muhlise Karagüzel, who is also on IHD’s list of seriously ill prisoners, was postponed for 2 times for 3 months each on 16 February 2024 due to severe health problems.
(10/331) Mayor, Musician, and Others Detained in Istanbul…
On 30 October 2024, 20 people including Ahmet Özer, elected mayor of Esenyurt district from Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Koma Hevra soloist Zeynep Doğan were detained in house raids in Istanbul on the allegations of ‘being a member of an illegal organization’. The names of the detainees could not be learned. It is learned that the Esenyurt municipality building was also searched by the police as part of the investigation.
(10/332) Lawyer Detained in Istanbul…
Lawyer Bedirhan Sarsılmaz, a member of Lawyers’ Association for Freedom (ÖHD), who attended the final hearing of the case against 22 members and executives of Religious Scholars Assistance and Solidarity Association (DİAYDER) at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14, was detained by the police officers entering the courtroom on October 25, 2024, on the grounds of “being a member of an illegal organization” through an investigation of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. It is also reported in the news that lawyer Bedirhan Sarsılmaz was referred to the Criminal Peace Judgeship on 28 October 2024 without being taken his statement at the prosecutor’s office.
(10/333) Party Executive Detained in Istanbul…
It is learned from the news coverage of 26 October 2024 that, the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation against lawyer Sevdagül Tuncer, deputy chair of Zafer Party, on the grounds of ‘violation of privacy’ through her social media posts on irregularities in Ministry of Family and Social Services in December 2023; and that Sevdagül Tuncer was detained at her house in Istanbul through the investigation and was taken to testify. It is reported in the news that Sevdagül Tuncer was released after statement procedures at the police station.
(10/334) Mukhtar Detained for Social Media Posts in Ardahan…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 27, 2024, that Şahismail Güyük, mukhtar of Ardahan Burmadere village, was detained on the grounds of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organization’ through social media posts and was released by the criminal peace judgeship on judicial control conditions.
(10/335) People Detained in Şırnak…
9 people who were detained on October 26, 2024, in the İdil district of Şırnak on the grounds of ‘being a member of an illegal organization’, were released on October 28, 2024. The names of detained people could not be learned.
(10/336) People Detained and Arrested in Istanbul…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2024, that 19 people including ÖHD member lawyer Bedirhan Sarsılmaz, among the 40 people who were detained in Istanbul on October 25, 2024, were arrested by the criminal peace judgeship on the charge of ‘being a member of an illegal organization’ on October 28, 2024. 21 people were released on judicial control conditions on the same date. It is also reported in the news that there is a confidentiality order on the investigation file of the 40 detained people and a 24-hour restriction on access to lawyers.
(10/337) People Detained in Siirt…
It is learned from the news coverage of 29 October 2024 that, 24 people were detained during the military operation in rural areas of Pervari in Siirt. It is reported that a confidentiality order is imposed on the investigation and a 24-hour restriction on lawyer visits. The names of detainees could not be learned.
(10/338) People Detained in Şırnak and Antep…
On 30 October 2024, 4 people (Abdülkerim Üzen, Welat Karagöz, Renas Duymak and 1 person whose name is unknown) were detained in house raids in the Cizre district of Şırnak. It is learned that 1 person (Yusuf Kaplan) was detained by physical violence in Antep, where he went for treatment, and was taken to Şırnak through the same investigation.
(10/339) People Detained in Şırnak…
3 people (Muhammed Kılınç, Bahar İşlek and Diyar Güler) were detained during house raids in Şırnak on 30 October 2024. The reason for the detention could not be learned.
(10/340) People Detained in Izmir…
On October 30, 2024, 10 people were detained in house raids in Izmir on the allegations of ‘being a member of an illegal organization’ and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organization’. The names of detainees could not be learned.
(10/341) People on Trial in Batman…
The first hearing of the case against 9 people including 3 Peace Mothers (Emine Kaya, Nezete Bölek, Sare Kaya, Habib Kaya, İsa Gitmez, Nedim Kaya, Yusuf Bölek, Zübeyir Şimşek, Murat Gelir) who were arrested on 13 July 2024 after being detained in house raids in Dereiçi village of Gercüş district of Batman and in Bayındırlık neighbourhood of Batman’s central district, was held at Batman Heavy Penal Court No 2 on 25 October 2024. The indictment demands a sentence for 9 people on the charge of ‘aiding an illegal organization’. After defense hearings, the court released 9 people and adjourned the trial to 17 January 2025.
11 people who were detained in house raids in the Gercüş district of Batman on 6 July 2024, were released on 9 July 2024. Batman Public Prosecutor’s Office objected the release of 11 people and detained 11 people again on 13 July 2024. While 2 people (Abdülcelil Gitmez and Yüksel Gitmez) were released by the Criminal Peace Judgeship on judicial control conditions, 9 people were arrested on the allegation of ‘aiding an illegal organization’.
(10/342) The DİAYDER Case…
The final hearing of the case against 23 members and executives of Religious Scholars Assistance and Solidarity Association (DİAYDER) was held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 on 24-25 October 2024. The court sentenced 9 people to 6 years and 3 months each for ‘being a member of an illegal organization’, 3 people including Ekrem Baran, chair of the association, to 7 years and 6 months each for the same charge, 4 people to 2 years and 1 month each for ‘aiding an illegal organization’ and acquitted 6 people on the charges. The court also decided to drop the case against 1 person who died during the trial.
(10/343) Association Chair on Trial in Diyarbakır…
It is learned from the news coverage of 28 October 2024 that, the indictment of Diyarbakır Public Prosecutor’s Office against Rıfat Ronî, former co-chair of Mesopotamia Language and Culture Research Association (MED-DER), was accepted by Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 5. The indictment demands a sentence for Rıfat Ronî on the charge of ‘being a member of an illegal organization’. The first hearing of the case will be held on 17 December 2024.
(10/344) Former TTB and Professional Chamber Executive on Trial…
The trial of the case against Dr. Halis Yerlikaya, former member of Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Central Council and former Secretary General of Siirt Medical Chamber, for his activities as Secretary General of Siirt Medical Chamber, continued on October 24, 2024 at Siirt Heavy Penal Court No 2. The court ruled to dismiss the case.
(10/345) Journalist on Trial in Mersin…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 25, 2024, that the sentence of 13 years and 6 months given to journalist Mehmet Baransu on the charge of ‘being a member of an illegal organization’ at Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 2 on July 19, 2020, was approved by Penal Department No 3 of the Court of Cassation.
(10/346) People on Trial in Istanbul…
The final trial of the case against 70 people who were detained during the police intervention against the Pride March at Boğaziçi University on May 20, 2022, was held at Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 58 on October 25, 2024. The court dismissed the case against 1 person named Bilge Adım, who lost his life during the trial, and acquitted 69 people on the charges of ‘opposing the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations No 2911’, ‘resisting to prevent duty’ and ‘insult’.
(10/347) Special Security Zone in Şırnak…
The Governorate of Şırnak announced on 13 September 2024 that Bestler Dereler Region in the central district of Şırnak, Gabar Mountain Region in the central and Güçlükonak districts of Şırnak, Cudi Mountain Region in the central, Silopi and Cizre districts of Şırnak, Kurt Mountain Region in the central, Silopi and Uludere districts of Şırnak, Kelmehmetler-Dönmezler-Kovankay Region in the Beytüşşebap district of Şırnak, Tahtareş, Hüsrevpaşa-Suhurpaşayayla, İncebeldağları, Faraşin Regions, Altındağları Region within the borders of Beytüşşebap district of Şırnak province, Oymakaya regions within the borders of Beytüşşebap and Uludere districts of Şırnak province have been declared as temporary special security zones for 15 days between 29 October 2024 and 12 November 2024.
(10/348) People Arrested in Two Cities…
On 25 October 2024, 12 people were arrested after being detained in operations conducted in Osmaniye and Hatay on the grounds of ‘being a member of an illegal organization’. The names of the arrested people could not be learned.
[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.
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[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.