Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation Center[1][2][3][4][5]
28 – 30 July 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(07/309) Person Died Due to Pepper Gas Sprayed by the Police in Giresun…
It is learned from news coverage of July 29, 2018 that, Yusuf Topal (82), a person who applied to July 15 Martyrs Family Health Center in Giresun on July 24, 2018, had a quarrel with the doctor and has been handcuffed behind his back by the police that came to intervene; and died due to heart attack after the police sprayed pepper gas on him.
Giresun Governorate made a declaration on July 29, 2018 and announced that 2 police officers are suspended and judiciary and administrative investigations are initiated; the Minister of Health on the other hand, announced that the doctor with whom Yusuf Topal had a quarrel is suspended as well.
(07/310) Train Crash in Tekirdağ…
Fetiye Yıldız (59), who has been injured at the train crash that happened in Çorlu district of Tekirdağ on July 8, 2018; died at the hospital on July 28, 2018. The number of casualties raised up to 25.
(07/311) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
Iğdır Governorate made a declaration on July 28, 2018 and announced that Nurettin Karadeniz, a construction equipment operator working for special provincial administration, died in Korhan plateau on July 28, 2018. It is stated in the declaration that, a team of special provincial administration employees who went there to repair a fault in water supply lines, were subjected to explosion of landmines laid down before and to gunfire of long barrelled weapons.
It is learned from news coverage of July 28, 2018 that, 1 village guard were wounded due to an explosion during a military operation in rural areas of Siirt’s Pervari district.
It is learned from news coverage of July 29, 2018 that, a fire started in rural areas of Balveren town in central district of Şırnak due to bombardments within military operation.
(07/312) A Boat Sank off the Coast of Balıkesir…
On July 28, 2018, a boat sank off the coast of Ayvalık district of Balıkesir, carrying 14 people in alleged attempt to illegally cross to Greece and 2 people who are alleged to be human traffickers; and 6 people including 3 babies died, 1 person got lost. It is reported that people were rescued.
HDP Kocaeli MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu, stated in his social media posts that, upon instruction of the mayor, Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Funeral Burial Directorate did not provide a funeral vehicle for people died.
(07/313) Person Died Due to Lynching in Istanbul…
It is learned from news coverage of July 29, 2018 that, 3 people are detained for lynching and causing death of a person named G. B. in Maltepe district of Istanbul on July 26, 2018. It is reported that 1 person is released after procedures at the prosecutor’s office, and 2 people are released by the court on juridical control conditions. G. B., who was in an alleged attempt to kidnap a child, has been subjected to physical violence of a huge group, and was detained by the police and taken to hospital. Istanbul Police Directorate made a declaration and stated that G. B. has “refused the medical treatment”, and thus has been taken to Cumhuriyet Police Station where his condition got worse; and that he died in the ambulance on the way to hospital.
(07/314) Lynch Attempt in Istanbul…
It is learned from news coverage of July 28, 2018 that a person named C. T. was subjected to a lynch attempt by a group on the grounds of “child molestation” in Kağıthane district of Istanbul. It is reported that C. T. took shelter in Sanayi Police Station, the police fired the gun up in the air to fend off the group, detained C. T. and took him to Istanbul Police Headquarters.
(07/315) Alleged Kidnapping in Diyarbakır…
It is learned from news coverage of July 27, 2018 that, a person named Ç. M. was stopped by 3 civilian cars on July 19, 2018, in Kayapınar district of Diyarbakır where he lives; was forced to get in by armed people in the cars who claims to be police officers; and was coerced to be informant as being subjected to physical violence and threats. It is stated in the news reports that Ç. M. was forced to walk on a wasteland after being taken out of the car and was released free around Pirinçlik Gendarmerie Station.
(07/316) People Being Threatened with Death in Urfa…
It is claimed in the news coverage of July 28, 2018 that, Osman Şenyaşar, brother of Esved Şenyaşar and uncle of Celal Şenyaşar and Adil Şenyaşar, who were killed during a quarrel with AKP’s MP candidate İbrahim Halil Yıldız in Suruç district of Urfa on June 14, 2018; is being threatened with death by Süleyman Yıldız, a relative of İbrahim Halil Yıldız. It is learned that Osman Şenyaşar, who was threatened on social media for the second time, made an official complaint to Urfa Public Prosecutor’s Office on July 25, 2018.
(07/317) Health Problems in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of July 28, 2018 that Mehmet Emin Özkan (79), a seriously ill prisoner in Diyarbakır D Type Prison, is given a report of “available to stay in prison” by Forensic Medicine Institution. It is stated in the news report that a committee report given by Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Research and Education Hospital in 2015, states that Özkan has 87 % of bodily function loss; however, the same hospital prepared another report in 2017 which detects 0 % of bodily function loss and which marks that his treatment could be maintained in prison.
It is learned from news coverage of July 29, 2018 that Sisê Bingöl (76), an ill prisoner in Tarsus T Type Prison applied to Tarsus Public Hospital for her health conditions getting worse, and that the hospital gave a report stating that “staying in prison would not be life-critical”.
(07/318) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of July 29, 2018 that journalists Mehmet Güleş and İdris Yılmaz, who are kept in Elazığ High Security Closed Prison No 1, were subjected to psychological harassment by wardens; faxes, letters and newspapers sent to them were not given as well as cargo deliveries; and they were asked for translation charge as a response to their demand for Kurdish books.
It is learned from news coverage of July 28, 2018 that, Umut Savaş Koçyiğit, an ill prisoner in Rize Kalkandere L Type Prison, were transferred to hospital however, he was kept in the prison vehicle for 4 hours and were taken back to the prison without being medically examined.
(07/319) Prisoner Being Threatened with Death…
It is learned from news coverage of July 28, 2018 that, Vedat Kaya, a prisoner in Alanya L Type Closed Prison were subjected to insults and threats of the wardens who raid his ward at nights.
(07/320) Hunger Strike in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of July 28, 2018 that, Zeynep Turan in Tarsus Women’s Closed Prison, who was on a hunger strike for 29 days since June 30, 2018, demanding not to be kept in solitary cell and to stay in a ward, ended the hunger strike after her demand is accepted.
(07/321) 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 for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 27, 28, and 29, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on July 27, 2018, 3 people (Mehmet Dersulu, Alev Şahin and Selvi Polat) were detained.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on July 28, 2018, 3 people (Mehmet Dersulu, Alev Şahin and Mahir Kılıç) and at 18.00 4 people (Acun Karadağ, Gülnaz Bozkurt, Alev Şahin, Mahir Kılıç and İlker Işık) were detained.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on July 29, 2018, 3 people (Mehmet Dersulu, Ünal Kaymak and Alev Şahin) and at 18.00 3 people (Mehmet Dersulu, Ünal Kaymak and Alev Şahin) were detained.
Thus in total 16 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 27, 28, and 29, 2018. It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(07/322) Detained HDP Member in Urfa…
It is learned that 1 member of HDP (Nihat Acar) is detained in a house raid in Haliliye district of Urfa on July 29, 2018. It is reported that Nihat Acar was taken to Urfa Police Headquarters however the reason for detention is unknown.
(07/323) Detained Journalist in Balıkesir…
It is learned that journalist Emin Buldan is detained in a house raid in Balıkesir on July 27, 2018. It is learned that Emin Buldan is detained upon official complaints on the charge of ‘blackmailing’, and is taken to Balıkesir Police Headquarters.
(07/324) Arrested Person for ‘Insulting the President’ in Istanbul…
It is learned from news coverage of July 27, 2018 that, a person named Turgay İnce, is detained in Istanbul for ‘insulting the President’ in social media posts, and is arrested by the court on the same day.
(07/325) People Sentenced by the Prosecutor to Fine Penalties for Protesting State of Emergency Decrees in Diyarbakır…
It is learned from news coverage of August 29, 2018 that, Diyarbakır Public Prosecutor’s Office, investigated 25 employees of Kayapınar district municipality, and sentenced them to 30 days of jail penalty without court’s decision, and converted the jail penalties to 914 Turkish Liras of fine per person including investigation costs. On November 23, 2016, a group of municipality employees and dismissed employees by the state of emergency decree, have protested dismissal of 57 of 108 employees of the municipality.
It is stated in the news report that, the fine penalty given by prosecutor’s office is based on ‘opposition to Article 25/b-1 of State of Emergency Law’ and is preparing to open a public case in case the fine penalties are not paid.
It is also stated in the news reports that, Mehmet Emin Aktar, former chair of Diyarbakır Bar Association, reminds that such implementations were seen during 90’s while shopkeepers took down the shutters and were based on ‘Opposition to State of Emergency Law No 2935’ and comments as following: “This is not a jail penalty. This is an advance payment offer. The prosecutor’s office has no power to sentence people. What the prosecutor’s office mean is this: ‘You committed this crime, and this crime requires at least 30-days of jail penalty. In case you pay the punitive fine for 30 days, then there will not be a public case against you. Otherwise there will be a public case.’ Namely, it is a negotiation and bargaining offer.”
The news reports cover the commentaries of some jurists who wants to remain anonymous to readers, stating that the related article of the law requires jail penalty, but the laws do not allow the prosecutor’s office to make bargaining offers, and thus this means that the prosecutor’s office is pretending like a court and violating ‘the right to a fair trial’.
(07/326) “Human Rights Violations Reports on East and Southeast”…
Human Rights Association (IHD) Diyarbakır branch made a press declaration on July 27, 2018 and announce “Human Rights Violations Reports of East and Southeast in first 6 months of 2018”. It is stated in the report that total number of cases of right violations during first 6 months is 5.891. The report also declares that, 16 times of curfew, and 18 times of special security zones covering 593 areas of 4 city centres were announced. The report also reveals that 18 women were killed due to “domestic violence”, 6 women were killed due to attacks, 6 women killed themselves; 3 children were killed due to “domestic violence”, 3 children killed themselves, 52 children were subjected to sexual abuse, and 3 children were kidnapped. The report says that 1413 people were detained including 44 children within the first 6 months of the year and 251 people including 1 child were arrested.
(07/327) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On July 27, 2018, 1 person in Niğde is detained on a warrant; 7 people in Karaburun district of Izmir in alleged attempt to illegally cross to Greece and 5 people in Edirne for the same reason are detained.
On July 27, 2018, lieutenant Recep Zerk, chief of Department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime in Istanbul Gendarmerie Command, is detained in Ankara. Recep Zerk is arrested by Istanbul Penal Court of Peace No 11 on the same day.
On August 28, 2018, 26 people including 9 children are detained in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in alleged attempt to illegally cross to Greece. It is learned that Girne Kaza Court expanded detention period of these people to 3 days.
(07/328) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against Utku Yıldız, former investigation judge of Council of State who has been dismissed by a state of emergency decree, on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 23 is held on July 27, 2018. The court sentenced Utku Yıldız to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and released him on juridical control conditions.
(07/329) Curfew in Bitlis…
Bitlis Governorate made a declaration on July 28, 2018 and announced curfew in 2 neighbourhoods, 6 villages and 3 hamlets of Mutki district and 2 villages and 1 hamlet of Güroymak district as of July 28, 2018, effective between 19.00 and 05.00 every day. The names of neighbourhoods, villages and hamlets under curfew are: Kavakbaşı town Çimenli neighbourhood, Yüksekova neighbourhood; Kapaklı, Küllüce, Kayabaşı, Koyunlu, Alıcık, Çitliyol, Saklı and Çallı villages; Varan, Ardıç, Çevreli and Işıklı hamlets.
(07/330) Special Security Zone in Kilis…
Kilis Governorate made a declaration on July 27, 2018 and announced that nearby areas of 14 border posts are special security zones for 15 days as of 17.00, July 27, 2018 until 17.00, August 10, 2018.
(07/331) Fine and Ceasing Broadcast Penalties to a TV Channel…
It is learned from news coverage of July 28, 2018 that, Zarok TV, a Kurdish kids channel, is charged to a fine penalty of 2 to 5 per cent of advertisement revenue and to cease broadcast for 5 times, because of 2 kids’ songs aired on March 17, and March 20, 2018.
(07/332) Labor Killings…
Worker Health and Worker Safety Council (ISIG) revealed that labour killings raised by 14 % in the period between July 20, 2016, when state of emergency was announced and July 18, 2018, when state of emergency was lifted. According to the report, at least 3960 workers including 124 children and 222 women, died while working during 2 years of state of emergency.
[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, T724, 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.