27-30 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/142) Disappearance in Custody Allegation in Şırnak…
Special Forces in charge for the operations and blockade in Şırnak announced on 27 May 2016 on twitter account that Democratic Regions Party (DBP) executive for the province Hurşit Külter was detained and executed.
Hurşit Külter sent the message “I am besieged, hope you bless me” earlier same day. But Security Directorate, Gendarmerie Command and Public Prosecutor in Şırnak denied the detention of Hurşit Külter on the grounds that such a detention was not officially registered.
Hurşit Külter who was possibly extra-judicially executed is still disappeared as of 30 May 2016.
(05/143) Curfew in Nusaybin…
YPS and YPS-JIN announced retreat on 25 May 2016 from Nusaybin district of Mardin where curfew was imposed for the last 74 days. The decision was taken on the grounds of possible civilian casualties in the districts. 42 persons were detained following the announcement.
25 detainees were arrested on 28 May 2016 after the completion of interrogations on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” and “attempting to disrupt the unity and territorial integrity of the state”.
(05/144) Curfew in Yüksekova…
Around the clock curfew in Yüksekova district of Hakkari was lifted after 79 days of implementation. And the Governorate imposed night curfew on 30 May 2016. The operations in the district were completed on 20 April 2016.
(05/145) Killing by Unidentified Assailant in Mardin…
Headman of Bahçebaşı quarter Memet Acu’s body who was abducted on 26 May 2016 in Yeşilli district of Mardin was found burnt on 27 May 2016.
(05/146) Massacre Attempt in Şırnak…
Vedat Encü (16) was killed when border trader villagers were bombed with howitzers on 29 May 2016 nearby Roboski village of Uludere district in Şırnak where 34 villagers were previously killed by military planes. Yılmaz Encü (20), Siyar Encü (21), İ. Encü (15-male) and Ö. Encü (15-male) were also wounded during the attack.
(05/147) Stop Warning…
Deniz Önkol, Giyas Önkol and Abdulvahap Özek were wounded when gendarmerie soldiers opened fire against a vehicle for not obeying the stop warning during a road control on 27 May 2016 nearby Genç district on Bingöl-Diyarbakır road.
Giyas Önkol was arrested on 28 May 2016 in the hospital before his treatment was completed.
(05/148) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
1 gendarmerie soldier and 1 police officer were killed, 9 members of security forces were wounded when a trapped bomb exploded on 26 May 2016 in Yenişehir quarter of Nusaybin district in Mardin.
The bodies of 4 YPS members who were killed in Nusaybin district were reportedly transferred on 27 May 2016 to Mardin for identification.
2 soldiers were killed and 2 soldiers were wounded when an armed clash broke out on 26 May 2016 between military troops and Peoples’ United Revolution Movement (HBDH) composed of 8 Marxist-Leninist organisations in the rural area of Ovacık district in Tunceli.
5 temporary village guards and 1 civilian were wounded when Zeyrek gendarmerie station was attacked on 29 May 2016 with a bomb vehicle in Kulp district of Diyarbakır.
4 soldiers were wounded when a military base was attacked on 29 May 2016 nearby Dağlıca village of Yüksekova district in Hakkari.
1 first lieutenant was killed when Kanimasi military base was attacked on 29 May 2016 in Uludere district of Şırnak.
1 police officer was killed during an armed clash on 29 May 2016 in Bahçelievler quarter of Şırnak where curfew was imposed.
The bodies of 41 YPS members who were killed during armed clashes in Şırnak were reportedly transferred Şırnak State Hospital on 30 May 2016 to Mardin for identification.
1 soldier was killed when Doğan military base was attacked on 29 May 2016 in Pervari district of Siirt.
2 militants were killed when an armed clash broke out on 27 May 2016 in mass housing in İpekyolu district of Van.
The worker Abdülkadir Bekirefendioğlu was heavily wounded when Yaşmaklı dam in Doğankent district of Giresun was organised a bomb attack on 26 May 2016.
2 soldiers and 1 temporary village guard were wounded when an armed clash broke out on 27 May 2016 nearby Kehê village of Hakkari.
(05/149) Rocket Launched from Syria to Kilis…
5 persons were wounded when IS/ISIS launched a rocket from Syria to Elbeyli district of Kilis province on 27 May 2016.
(05/150) Hrant Dink Case…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Heavy Penal Court No 14 continued on 24 May 2016 to hear the case against 37 persons including 6 remanded defendants in connection with the killing of Hrant Dink. The hearing continued for 3 days.
After the testimonies of the present defendants, the court rejected demand of the remanded defendants to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 20 June 2016.
(05/151) Emrah Demir Case…
According to the news appeared in the press on 27 May 2016, Karşıyaka (İzmir) Heavy Penal Court concluded to hear the case against the police officer Deniz G. launched in connection with the killing of Emrah Demir (21). The court sentenced the remanded defendant to 16 years and 8 months’ imprisonment.
Emrah Demir was shot to death by the police officer Deniz G. on 14 December 2014 in Menemen district when they had a dispute.
(05/152) Journalists on Trial…
Tunceli Heavy Penal Court concluded on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against editor-in-chief of the local Dersim paper Erkan Aday, editorial director of the paper Ergin Doğru and member of editorial board Nesimi Aday. The case was launched on charges of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” with the news published in the paper. The court acquitted all the defendants.
(05/153) Journalists on Trial…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Heavy Penal Court No 13 concluded on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against the co-managing-editor of the daily Özgür Gündem Eren Keskin and editor-in-chief of the paper Reyhan Çapan launched for “insulting State President” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” in various issues of the paper.
The court sentenced both defendants to 3 years and 9 months’ imprisonment.
(05/154) Concert Banned in Antalya…
Governorate of Antalya banned the concert of music band Grup Yorum to be held on 28 May 2016 in Konyaltı Open-Air Theatre.
(05/155) Correspondent on Trial…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Penal Court of First Instance 2 continued on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against Canan Coşkun, journalist with the daily Cumhuriyet, in connection with the news under the headline “House Sales under Discussion in the Judiciary” appeared in the paper on 20 February 2015 about the discounted sales of luxury houses to prosecutors and judges in İstanbul by a private construction company.
The case was launched upon official complaint by 2 judges/prosecutors in charge at Çağlayan and Küçükçekmece courthouses and 8 judges/prosecutors were also referred as victims in indictment. The indictment wants Canan Coşkun to be sentenced 10 times according to the Article 125 TPC for “insulting public officers”.
The court decided to hear the complainant Deputy Public Prosecutor Orhan Kapıcı and adjourned the hearing to 22 September 2016.
(05/156) Person on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Antalya Penal Court of First Instance No 2 concluded on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against U.M. (51) launched on charges of “insulting the State President” through facebook posts.
After the final defence as to the accusations, the court sentenced the defendant to 11 months and 20 days’ imprisonment under the Article 299 TPC.
(05/157) Conscientious Objectors on Trial…
Uudere (Şırnak) Penal Curt of First Instance continued on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against Necdet Encü and Yannis Vasilis Yaylalı launched on charges of “alienating the people from military service”. Both defendants became conscientious objectors on the anniversary of Roboski Massacre in Uludere district of Şırnak.
Necdet Encü testified at the hearing. The court adjourned the hearing to 20 October 2016 for the testimony of Yannis Vasilis Yaylalı.
(05/158) Person on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
According to the news appeared in the press on 28 May 2016, Polatlı (Ankara) Penal Court of First Instance No 1 continued to hear the case against Ahmet D. launched on charges of “insulting the State President”. Ahmet D. was arrested in connection with so-called Gülenist terror organisation “Parallel State Structure” (FETÖ/PDY).
After the testimony of the defendant, the court adjourned the hearing to 28 June 2016.
(05/159) Correspondent on Trial in Malatya…
According to the news appeared in the press on 26 May 2016, a court case was launched against Dicle News Agency (DİHA) correspondent Nuri Akman who was arrested on 2 February 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” when he went to the Malatya Public Prosecutor to testify in connection with a case.
Public Prosecutor in Malatya referred his being member of Free Students Association (Özgür Öğrenci Derneği) while being student and his photographs taken in Kobanê as evidences in the indictment. Malatya Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 18 July 2016.
(05/160) 1 May Case in İstanbul…
İstanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 continued on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against 3 persons including 2 remanded defendants launched for attempting to stage a demonstration on Taksim Square on 1 May 2015 in İstanbul. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation”.
After the testimonies of the defendants, the court decided to release the defendants Veli Coşkun and Nazım Can Arslan to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 20 October 2016.
(05/161) Protest Intervened in İstanbul…
The police intervened the “Speak Up for Nusaybin (Nusaybin’e ses ver)” demonstrations organised by Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on 29 May 2016 in Kadıköy and Sultanbeyli districts of İstanbul and detained 4 persons.
(05/162) Protest Intervened in İstanbul…
2 persons were detained when they wanted to put up a poster saying “Justice for Suruç, justice for everyone (Suruç için adalet, herkes için adalet)” on 27 May 2016 in Kadıköy district of İstanbul.
(05/163) Gezi Park Trials…
Antalya Heavy Penal Court No 6 continued on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against 12 persons launched in connection with Gezi Park demonstrations in Antalya. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation”, “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations”, “resisting security forces” and “damaging public property”.
The Public Prosecutor demanded in his/her opinion as to the accusations the defendants to be sentenced to 4 years and 6 months’ imprisonment. The court adjourned the hearing to 14 October 2016 for the preparation of the defence as to the accusations.
(05/164) Children on Trial in Mersin…
According to the news appeared in the press on 27 May 2016, a court case was launched against 44 children who were detained during the operations conducted on 15 February 2016 in Mersin.
The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations” and “possessing hazardous materials”. Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 21 June 2016.
(05/165) Protesters on Trial in Adana…
Adana Heavy Penal Court No 2 started on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against 100 students launched in connection with a demonstrations organised by Çukurova University students on 28 December 2014 to protest in the Roboski Massacre. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations”, “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”, “resisting security forces” and “damaging public property”.
After the identification and testimonies of the present defendants, the court adjourned the hearing to 28 September 2016 for the continuation of the testimonies.
(05/166) Protesters Detained in Sinop…
The police conducted house raids on 27 May 2016 in Sinop and detained 17 persons who protested Honorary President of the Social Fabric Foundation (Sosyal Doku Vakfı) Nurettin Yıldız for his expressions “6-year-old girls can be married” and “Working women are supporting the waty ot prostitution” during a conference held in Sinop.
(05/167) Mayors, Executives of Municipality and Political Party on Trial for Self-Governance Declaration …
Erciş (Van) Heavy Penal Court started on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against 23 persons including Erciş Co-Mayor Diba Keskin launched on charges of “disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state”. 17 defendants were remanded in this trial. Diba Keskin was arrested on 15 October 2015 for “taking part in the declaration of self-governance” and transferred to Sincan (Ankara) Women’s Prison. She was suspended from duty on 28 October 2015 by the Ministry of Interior Affairs. 11 defendants are remanded in this case.
After the testimonies of the remanded defendants through SEGBİS teleconference system, the court decided to release the defendants Dilan Doğan, Emrullah Denizman, Salih Ergül, Mustafa Akyüz, Fesih Ağtepe, and Kadir Köroğlu to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 14 July 2016.
(05/168) KCK/TM Main Trial in Diyarbakır…
Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 2 continued on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against 187 persons launched after an operation conducted in 2009. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for founding the “Koma Ciwaken Kurdistan-Kurdistan Union of Communities/Turkish Assembly (KCK/TM)” and acting in the name of the organisation.
After the final defence as to the accusations, the court adjourned the hearing to 13 June 2016.
(05/169) KCK Case in Hakkari…
Hakkari Heavy Penal Court No 1 concluded on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against 20 persons including Co-Mayor in Hakkari province Nurullah Çiftçi launched after a KCK operation conducted in 2011 in Hakkari.
After final defence as to the accusations, the court sentenced 13 defendants to 6 years and 3 months’ imprisonment for “being member of an illegal organisation” and acquitted remaining defendants including Nurullah Çiftçi. The files of Provincial Assembly member Ferzende Yılmaz and Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) former Co-Chair for Hakkari province Rahmi Temel were separated on the grounds that they rejected to testify and defend as to the accusations.
(05/170) Self-Governance Declaration Trial in Diyarbakır…
Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 5 continued on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against 6 persons including Co-Mayors of Sur district Seyit Narin and Fatma Şık Barut. The case was launched in connection with the self-governance declaration on 14 August 2015. The court released the defendants Fatma Şık Barut, Seyit Narin, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair for Sur district Ali Rıza Çiçekli and Women’s Academy worker Güneş Ölmez to be tried without remand at the previous hearing on 8 March 2016.
The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for “attempting to disrupt the unity and territorial integrity of the state”. After the testimonies of the defendants, the court adjourned the hearing to 20 October 2016.
(05/171) Political Party Premises Attacked in Şırnak…
The premises of United Revolutionary Party (Birleşik Devrimci Parti) in Tuzluçayır quarter of Mamak district in Ankara was organised an armed attack by unidentified persons on 29 May 2016. The casualties were reported, the attack caused material damage.
(05/172) Detentions and Arrests…
Deniz Kocaman who was detained in Van was arrested on 26 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Batman Municipality worker Bülent Ünser who was detained in Siirt was arrested on 26 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Gendarmerie soldiers conducted raids on 26 and 27 May 2016 against the executives and members of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) in Bismil district of Diyarbakır. 17 persons were detained during raids and the reason of the operations was not disclosed.
Murat Kaplan who was among 9 persons detained during the operations against HDP and DBP in Saray district of Van was arrested on 26 May 2016 on the allegations of “aiding an illegal organisation”.
Azad Sömer who was among 2 persons detained in Adana was arrested on 26 May 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
17 persons including DBP Co-Chair for Gaziantep province Demet Paksoy were arrested on 27 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted a house raid on 26 May 2016 in Ağrı and detained 3 university students under beatings.
The police conducted house raids on 27 and 28 May 2016 in Diyarbakır and detained 42 persons.
Özgür Alp was detained on 28 May 2016 on a road control point on Hakkari-Yüksekova road.
Nezir Doğan and Mehmet Doğan were detained during the raids conducted on 28 May 2016 in Gundike Simo village of İdil district in Şırnak.
Halil Görcü who was detained in Malazgirt district of Muş was arrested on 28 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted raids on 28 May 2016 against the houses of Hacettepe University workers and students in Ankara and detained 6 persons including academics Savaş Ergül and İnan Şenses.
The police raided a house on 27 May 2016 in Batman and detained photographer Ciwan Değer on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
3 students who were among 12 persons detained during house raids in Çanakkale were arrested on 27 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
5 persons including HDP Co-Chair for Hozat district in Tunceli province Sinan Karakoç were arrested on 27 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted house raids on 27 May 2016 and detained 9 members of United Revolutionary Party (Birleşik Devrimci Parti).
Socialist Youth Association (Sosyalist Gençlik Derneği) member Özgür Şimşek who was detained while going from İzmir to Denizli and transferred to Isparta was arrested on 27 May 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
During the operations conducted on 29 May 2016, 20 persons in Cizre district of Şırnak and 5 persons in Hakkari were detained.
Amed Kurdish Language Research and Development Association (Amed Kürt Dili Araştırma ve Geliştirme Derneği – KURDÎ-DER) Co-Chair Ozan Kılınç and Şaban Kaskarlı who were among 9 persons detained during house raids in Diyarbakır were arrested on 29 May 2016 on the allegations “being member of an illegal organisation”.