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Human Rights Foundation Documentation Center Daily Human Rights Report July 2019

Daily report of 1 July at the end of June Report, reports of 17 July and 19-22 July are missing  – 2 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

(07/028) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 1, 2019 that prisoners who wanted to wear sleeveless clothes during family visits were not allowed to visits, by the wardens saying “we cannot have you in visits like this”. (07/029) Person Who Was Subjected to Police Violence in Izmir

 

… It is learned from the news coverage of June 1, 2019 that, Sercan İpekoğlu, rap singer known as Ezhel, was kept captive for 1 hour at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport by the police for no reason, and was subjected to physical violence of the police since he rejected being captive. It is learned that Sercan İpekoğlu was then released. (07/030) 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 965 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 1, 2019 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 July 1, 2019, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and İlker Işık) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Merve Demirel) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 1, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (06/031) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara… The police intervened the protestors in front of Çankaya Public Health Directorate on July 1, 2019, 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. (07/032) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul… Nursel Tanrıverdi and Selvi Polat who make a sit-in protest at Bakırköy Square on July 1, 2019, to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees are detained by the police intervening the protest. 2 people are released on the same day. (07/033) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”… The separate cases against 4 academicians (Assist. Professor Umut Azak from Okan University, Research Assistant Erdem Üngür from Istanbul Kültür University, Aslı Odman from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, E.D. from FMV Işık University) for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 32 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 1, 2019. The court sentenced Umut Azak, E.D., and Erdem Üngür to 1 year and 3 months each for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and deferred the announcement of the verdict. (07/034) Ergenekon Case… The final trial of the case against 235 people, known as “Ergenekon Case”, is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 4 on July 1, 2019. All defendants are acquitted on the charges of ‘establishing and leading an illegal organisation’, ‘being a member of an illegal organisation’ and ‘aiding an illegal organisation’. The court sentenced Alparslan Aslan to heavy life imprisonment and Erhan Timuroğlu, İsmail Sağır and Osman Yıldırım to life imprisonment on the charge of ‘violating the Constitution’. (07/035) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The final trial of the case against Ömer Diken, former chief judge of Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 10, also known as the judge of “Sledgehammer Coup Case”, is held on Izmir Heavy Penal Court No 16 on July 1, 2019. The court sentenced Ömer Diken to 13 years and 4 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. (07/036) Report on Right Violations Against Journalists…

Free Journalists Initiative (ÖGİ) declared on July 1, 2019 the report on right violations against journalists in the first 6 months of 2019. It is stated in the report that, 154 journalists are in prison, and 34 journalists were detained in the first 6 months of 2019 and 11 of them were arrested; 29 journalists were subjected to investigations while 8 journalists were subjected to lawsuits against them. It is also remarked in the report that 287 journalists were brought to courts and 41 journalists were sentenced to 119 years and 3 months in total as a result of these cases; 22 journalists were released from prisons and 1 media institution was raided.

 

3 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/037) Co-Mayor Who Was Subjected to Police Violence in Ağrı… It is learned that Evren Demir and Betül Yaşar, co-mayors of Ağrı’s Diyadin district, who intervened the police violence against official chauffeur of the municipality at the police checkpoint at the entrance of the municipality building, were handcuffed behind their backs and got down on the floor, and were subjected to physical violence of the police, on July 2, 2019. It is reported that Evren Demir was referred to hospital because of being hit at the head. It is stated in the news reports that, the police arriving at the municipality building seized the video recordings of the surveillance cameras and People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Ağrı MP Dilan Dirayet Taşdemir who asked an official writ about seizing of the video recordings was responded by the police as “the prosecutor gave a verbal instruction”. Diyadin Sub-Governorate made a declaration denying the allegations on July 3, 2019 and stated that video recordings are under protection upon instruction of the public prosecutor. (07/038) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 2, 2019 that Lokman Aslan, a prisoner in Elazığ High Security Prison No 2 was penalised to solitary confinement for 11 days and prevention of visit right for 1 year, on the grounds of an article found in his ward during a search. It is stated in the news reports that the article was not published anywhere. (07/039) 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 966 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 2, 2019 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 July 1, 2019, 2 people (Mahmut Konuk and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Merve Demirel) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 2, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (07/040) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”… The separate cases against 4 academicians (Assoc. Professor Derya Fırat Şannan and Assist. Professor Adil Emre Zeytinoğlu from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University PhD student Tuğçe Erçetin and academic Zeynep Altok from Bilgi University) for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 26 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ are held on July 2, 2019. The court adjourned the trials of the cases against Adil Emre Zeytinoğlu, Tuğçe Erçetin and Zeynep Altok to November 27, 2019; and the trial of the case against Derya Fırat Şannan to November 28, 2019. The separate cases against 2 academicians (Research Assistant Gizem Sayın to Kadir Has University and Assoc. Professor Ertuğrul Uzun from Anadolu University) for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 37 are held on July 2, 2019. The court adjourned both trials to October 17, 2019. The case against Assoc. Professor Meltem Toksöz for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 23 is held on July 2, 2019. The court decided to consolidate the case with other cases against academicians. The next trial will be held on November 5, 2019. The case against academic Nazım Hikmet Richard Dikbaş for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 29 is held on July 2, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to November 26, 2019. The case against Assist. Professor Barış Ünlü for the same reason on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 24 is held on July 2, 2019. The court decided to send the case to Istanbul Heavy Penal Court on the grounds of lack of venue. (07/041) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul… The final trial of the case against Odatv news portal executive editor Barış Pehlivan, upon official complaint of Fethullah Gülen’s lawyers, on the grounds of reader comments related Fethullah Gülen to a news report issued on the website, is held on Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 18 on July 2, 2019. The court sentenced

Barış Pehlivan to 5 months, for violating Article 9/4 of the Law No 5651 regulating the publications on the internet and did not defer the announcement of the verdict. (07/042) Nihat Kazanhan Case… The jail sentence of 13 years and 4 months given to special force police officer Mehmet Nurbaki Göçmez, by Cizre Heavy Penal Court No 1, on the charge of ‘killing with probable intent under unjust provocation’ for death of Nihat Kazanhan (12), is approved by Penal Department No 1 of The Supreme Court on July 2, 2019. Nihat Kazanhan died due to fire opened by the police in Cizre district of Şırnak on January 14, 2015. (07/043) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 2, 2019, 26 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 18 cities through an Izmir based investigation; 15 people are detained in operations covering 25 cities through a Konya based investigation; 22 people are detained in house raids in Ankara. On July 2, 2019, it is learned that a warrant is issued for 40 people including military members on active duty through an Istanbul based investigation and that operations are initiated in 15 cities to detain them. (07/044) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The final trial of the case against Mehmet Arı, former member of The Supreme Court, is held on Penal Department No 9 of The Supreme Court on July 2, 2019. The court sentenced Mehmet Arı to 13 years and 9 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The final trial of the case against Zekeriya Erdoğan, former member of The Supreme Court, is held on Penal Department No 9 of The Supreme Court on July 2, 2019. The court sentenced Zekeriya Erdoğan to 8 years and 9 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The final trial of the case against Ramazan Bayrak, former member of The Supreme Court, is held on Penal Department No 9 of The Supreme Court on July 2, 2019. The court sentenced Ramazan Bayrak to 10 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. (07/045) Students Who Were Subjected to Cancellation of Scholarships in Ankara… It is learned from the news coverage of July 2, 2019 that, scholarships and loans given to students who were detained in the police intervention into LGBTI+ Pride in Middle East Technical University on May 10, 2019, were cancelled by General Directorate of Credit and Dormitories Agency of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

 

4 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

07/046) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned that 1 soldier died and 1 soldier got wounded in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Siirt’s Eruh district on July 3, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 3, 2019 that, 5 HPG militants died in clashes in Xakurkê of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government during June, 2019. (07/047) Missing Person in Tunceli… It is learned from the news coverage of July 3, 2019 that, Engin Eroğlu, who was gone missing since June 15, 2019, is found dead in Torunoba area of Tunceli’s Ovacık district. Engin Eroğlu’s dead body is sent to Malatya Forensic Medicine Institution. It was claimed that Engin Eroğlu fell into Munzur River due to being hit by the open tailgate of an intercity bus. (07/048) Person Died in Prison… It is claimed in the news coverage of July 3, 2019 that İrfan Kılıç, a prisoner kept in Kandıra F Type Prison No 2 burned himself to death. It is reported that İrfan Kılıç’s dead body is taken to Kocaeli Forensic Medicine Institution. (07/049) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 3, 2019 that Abdulhadi Ay, a prisoner in Patnos L Type Prison was subjected to physical violence of the wardens and has bruises on his face and rib fracture due to violence. (07/050) 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 967 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 3, 2019 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 July 3, 2019, 2 people (Mahmut Konuk and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Gülnaz Bozkurt and İlker Işık) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 3, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (07/051) Detained Academician in Konya…

Assist. Professor Battal Odabaşı, one of the signatories of the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” is detained in Konya on July 3, 2019. It is learned that Battal Odabaşı was released on July 4, 2019. (07/052) Detained Cameraman in Çorum… Can TV channel cameraman Kamil Murat Demir is detained on July 3, 2019 at the hotel he was staying in Çorum, where he was to make a news report. It is learned that the reason of detention is ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. It is reported that Kamil Murat Demir is released after statement procedures at the prosecutor’s office on the same day. (07/053) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”… The separate cases against 5 academicians (Assoc. Professor Cengiz Aktar from Süleyman Şah University, Assoc. Professor Nermin Saybaşılı from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Research Assistant Orkun Doğan, academics Güventürk Görgülü and Berrak Karahoda from Bilgi University) for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 26 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ are held on July 3, 2019. The court adjourned the trials of all cases to December 10, 2019. The separate cases against 2 academicians (Assist. Professor H.K. and Ahu Ersözlü from Boğaziçi University) for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 37 are held on July 3, 2019. The court adjourned the trial of the case against Ahu Ersözlü to July 17, 2019 and the trial of the case against H.K. to October 30, 2019. The case against Professor Yasemin Bulut from Dicle University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 30 is held on July 3, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 4, 2019. (07/054) Özgür Gündem 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 July 3, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to November 28, 2019, assigning the prosecutor’s office to prepare the legal opinion in this period. (07/055) Journalists and Human Rights Defenders on Trial in Ankara… The case against 11 people including journalists Sibel Hürtaş and Hayri Demir, Özgürlükçü Demokrasi newspaper employee Barış Ceyhan and Human Rights Association (İHD) executive board member Nuray Çevirmen, for their news reports and social media posts on Turkish Armed Forces’ military operation to Afrin, is held on July 3, 2019 on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 15. It is learned that the writ to the Ministry of Justice in order to proceed according to Article 301 of Turkish Penal Code was not responded yet. After defence hearings the court rejected to lift the ban on leaving the country and adjourned the trial to August 3, 2019. 11 people were detained in house raids in Ankara on January 22, 2018 and on January 26, 2018 8 people were released while 3 people were arrested. Arrested 3 people (Barış Ceyhan, Saim Serin and Lezgin Tekay) were released on the trial held on September 6, 2018. The court has separated the case of HDP MP Kemal Bülbül. The prosecutor has declared the legal opinion at the trial held on March 27, 2019 and demanded sentence for Hayri Demir, Bengü Aslı Bayramoğlu, Hüseyin Gökdemir, Osman Konukçu, Lezgin Tekay, Muhammed Barış Ceyhan and Saim Serin on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. The court also demanded official complaint against 11 people in order to judge them according to Article 302 of Turkish Penal Code. (07/056) Diyarbakır JITEM / Musa Anter Case… The consolidated case on Musa Anter’s killing in Diyarbakır in 1992 and activities of JITEM (Gendarmerie Intelligence and Anti-Terror Unit) in Diyarbakır is held on July 3, 2018 on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 6. The case known as “JITEM Main Case” on Diyarbakır Penal Court No 1 and the case of Musa Anter’s killing has been consolidated by the Supreme Court’s decision on January 29, 2016. Orhan Miroğlu, Cevat Korkmaz and Raif Türk are heard as witnesses at the trial. The court adjourned the trial to September 25, 2019. (07/057) Çorlu Train Crash Case… The case against 4 officials of Turkish State Railways (TCDD) about the train crash on July 8, 2018, in Çorlu district of Tekirdağ where 25 people died and 328 people got wounded, is held on Çorlu Heavy Penal Court No 1 on July 3, 2019. 4 officials of TCDD on trial are: Turgut Kurt, railway maintenance manager at TCDD Regional Directorate No 1 Halkalı Railway Maintenance Directorate No 14; Özkan Polat, railway maintenance and repair chief at Çerkezköy Maintenance and Repair, Celaleddin Çabuk, line maintenance and repair official at Railway Maintenance Directorate and Çetin Yıldırım, chief in charge of bridges who has signed the annual inspection report issued on May 2018.

The indictment demands jail sentence from 2 years to 15 years for defendants on the charge of ‘reckless killing and injury’. It is learned that the police intervened the group including families of the victims of the crash, that came to the courthouse to follow the trial. It is reported that the lawyers made an official complaint about the police intervention outside in order to inspect who is responsible for the intervention. It is learned that the prosecutor also demanded from the court that the authority giving instructions for intervention should be identified. After these demands the court board recused from the case and the case is sent to Çorlu Heavy Penal Court No 2. (07/058) Constitutional Court’s Decision on Academics for Peace… On July 3, 2019, Department 1 of The Constitutional Court discussed the application of 10 academicians who were judged because of signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” and decided to refer the application to General Board of the Constitutional Court. (07/059) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 3, 2019, 7 people are detained in operations covering 6 cities through a Kocaeli based investigation against former employees of Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, and 10 people are detained through a Konya based investigation and that raised the number of detentions through this investigation to 25. (07/060) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The case against Bilal Karadağ, former member of The Supreme Court is held on July 3, 2019 on Penal Department No 9 of The Supreme Court. The court sentenced Bilal Karadağ to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The case against İsmail İnceoğlu, former member of The Supreme Court is held on July 3, 2019 on Penal Department No 9 of The Supreme Court. The court sentenced İsmail İnceoğlu to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. (07/061) Punished Teacher for Speaking Kurdish… It is learned that People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Van MP Muazzez Orhan submitted a parliamentary question on June 28, 2019, demanding a response from Ziya Selçuk, the Minister of National Education. It is stated in the question that Medeni Oruç, a teacher at Ferit Melen Primary School in Edremit district of Van was subjected to disciplinary proceeding “because of speaking Kurdish at school and teaching in Kurdish although there are no grounds in terms of regulation and operation”; and as a result of this he was punished to salary deduction and transferred to another city by the Ministry of National Education on June 26, 2019.

 

5 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/062) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned from the news coverage of July 4, 2019 that, 2 HPG militants died due to an air bombardment of Turkish Armed Forces to Zap area in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on July 3, 2019. (07/063) Person Died in Prison… Family of İrfan Kılıç (32), a prisoner who died in Kandıra F Type Prison No 2 on July 3, 2019, made a declaration and denied the suicide allegation stating that the family will make an official complaint for investigation. İrfan Kılıç’s brother stated the following on the news coverage of July 4, 2019: “When we saw İrfan we noticed that there were no burn marks on his body, his body hair was even unburnt. Besides this, we noticed a fissure from his chin to the ear. We could not say whether it was due to stabbing or bullet. When we asked to the prison prosecutor, he told us that İrfan was at the yard with two friends who came in around 17.00 but İrfan did not get in and there happened a brawl at the yard. (…) Then we wanted to meet prison director but we could not. They told us to wait for the forensic medicine report. We found out that İrfan was tortured at the yard for hours. His fingers and his head was fractured at several parts. Yesterday they called us and said ‘We took İrfan to the hospital and his condition is serious’. After one and half an hour they called me and said that İrfan died. However, he has died two days ago. His dead body was kept in prison for a day.” (07/064) Allegation of Abduction in Istanbul… It is learned from the news coverage of July 4, 2019 that, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Youth Assembly member İkram Doğan was abducted by people who claim themselves as members of national intelligence service, on June 29, 2019 in Kadıköy district of Istanbul and that he was subjected to torture and ill-treatment in the woods where he was taken by them. It is reported that İkram Doğan had a medical report evidencing torture and applied to Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul branch. İkram Doğan stated the following: “I left my house in the morning on July 29, Saturday, I went to HDP’s Kadıköy district office. I had my breakfast there. Around noon, I left the party office to go to Ataşehir. 4 people on the

wayside pushed my head down and forced me to get into a car. They insulted me. We travelled by the car around 1 hour while I had to keep my head in between my legs. They abducted me. After a one hour drive they took me somewhere in the seaside and took my personal belongings there. And forced me to get into a grey transporter car (…) And they took me to some forestland. They got me off the car and swooped down on me. They beat me, tortured me, and threatened to kill. They said ‘We have disappeared many people here so far’.” (07/065) 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 968 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 4, 2019 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 July 4, 2019, 2 people (İlker Işık and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Merve Demirel) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 4, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (07/066) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”… The separate cases against 4 academicians (Professor Murat Cemal Yalçıntan from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Professor Hacer Ansal from Işık University, research assistant Refet Ali Yalçın from Boğaziçi University and Professor Mesut Yeğen from Şehir University) for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 37 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ are held on July 4, 2019. The court adjourned the trials of the cases against Murat Cemal Yalçıntan and Mesut Yeğen to September 12, 2019; the trial of the case against Hacer Ansal to October 30, 2019 and the trial of the case against Refet Ali Yalçın to December 28, 2019. The case against Assoc. Professor Anıl Duman from Yaşar University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 is held on July 4, 2019. The court decided to wait for Constitutional Court’s decision on the appeal of academics for peace. The case against PhD Engin Kılıç from Sabancı University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 26 is held on July 4, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 10, 2019. (07/067) Journalist and Others on Trial in Şırnak… The case against 19 people 9 of which are arrested including Ziya Ataman, reporter of Dicle News Agency which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, is held on Şırnak Heavy Penal Court No 1 on July 4, 2019. After defence hearings witnesses were heard at the trial. Witness Aytaç Yalman stated that he did not read the statement he signed at the police station and signed it under torture. Ziya Ataman did not make his defence due to not having a Kurdish translator in the court room. It is learned that the prosecutor’s office declared the legal opinion and demanded sentence for 9 arrestees on the charges of ‘disrupting the unity and integrity of the state’, ‘wilful and planned murder of a public official due to its office’, ‘wilful damage of public belongings using explosive material’. After defence and witness hearings the court decided to continue detention of 9 people and adjourned the trial to September 24, 2019. Ziya Ataman was arrested on April 11, 2016. (07/068) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul… The final trial of the case against Cumhuriyet newspaper’s columnist Işıl Özgentürk, for her article “New generation head scarfed women” which was published on January 13, 2019, is held on Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 2 on July 4, 2019. The court sentenced Işıl Özgentürk to 1 year and 6 months for ‘inciting hatred and hostility among public and insulting public’ and did not suspend the verdict. (07/069) Lawyer on Trial in Urfa… The final trial of the case against lawyer Cemo Tüysüz on Urfa Heavy Penal Court No 6 is held on July 4, 2019. The court acquitted Cemo Tüysüz. Cemo Tüysüz was arrested on December 12, 2018, on the grounds of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and was released from prison on May 11, 2018. (07/070) Medicine Faculty Students on Trial in Ankara… The final trial of the case against 43 students of Hacettepe and Ankara universities, on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ is held on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 4 on July 4, 2019. The court acquitted all defendants. (07/071) Ankara JİTEM Case… The case known as “Ankara JİTEM case” continued to be held on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 1 on July 4, 2019. The indictment demands jail sentence for defendants Mehmet Ağar, İbrahim Şahin, Korkut Eken, Ayhan Çarkın,

Ayhan Akça, Ziya Bandırmalıoğlu, Ercan Ersoy, Ahmet Demirel, Ayhan Özkan, Seyfettin Lap, Enver Ulu, Uğur Şahin, Alper Tekdemir, Yusuf Yüksel, Abbas Semih Sueri, Lokman Külünk, Mahmut Yıldırım, Nurettin Güven, Muhsin Korman, on the charge of “committing murder as a part of activities of an armed organisation with the purpose of committing offences” for unidentified murders committed in an around Ankara between 1993 and 1996. It is learned that another prosecutor is assigned for the case. The court adjourned the trial to September 20, 2019. (07/072) Aladağ Dorm Fire Case… The final trial of the case against 18 people, for the fire broke out in a school dorm of Aladağ Students’ Welfare Association (Aladağ Kurs ve Okul Talebeleri Yardım Derneği) where 11 children and 1 dorm staff died and 24 people were injured, is held on Kozan Heavy Penal Court on July 4, 2019. The fire has broken out in the dorm in Aladağ district of Adana on November 29, 2016. The court sentenced İsmail Uğur, chair of the association, to 12 years and 2 months and 20 days; Cuma Ali Genç, principal of the dorm, to 11 years and 1 month and 10 days; and dorm employees Mahmut Deniz to 10 years, Mahir Kılıç, Mustafa Öztaş, Ramazan Dede and Ramazan Keleş to 8 years and 10 months and 20 days on the charge of ‘causing death or injury of more than one person with conscious negligence’. The court sentenced officials Bayram Aydın, Cihan Ünal, Davut Gökçeli, Mehmet Aktaş and Ramazan Arı from District Directorate of National Education, to 7 years and 15 days each for ‘misuse of public duty’ and deferred the announcement of the verdict. The court acquitted 6 defendants. (07/073) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 4, 2019, 16 people are detained in operations covering 14 cities through an Ankara based investigation on allegation of infraction and fraud in Police College Entrance Exam in 2009; 13 people are detained in operations covering 17 cities through an Ankara based investigation on allegation of infraction and fraud in Administrative Law Judge Exam in 2013; 11 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 7 cities through a Konya based investigation. (07/074) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The case against Ahmet Taşkın, former member of The Supreme Court is held on July 4, 2019 on Penal Department No 9 of The Supreme Court. The court sentenced Ahmet Taşkın to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. (07/075) Labor Killings… Worker Health and Worker Safety Council (ISIG) revealed on July 4, 2019 that at least 124 workers including 6 children, 17 women, and 13 asylum seekers died while working in June 2019. According to ISIG data at least 840 workers died due to labor killings/labor accidents within the first 6 months of 2019.    6 – 8 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/076) People Died Due to Explosion in Reyhanlı… It is learned that 3 people, claimed to be Syrian, who were in a parked car in Reyhanlı district of Hatay died due to the explosion in the car on July 5, 2019. Hatay Governorate made a declaration and announced that it was caused by improvised explosives. It is reported that 16 people are detained about the explosion. (07/077) Specialized Sergeant Died in Urfa… It is learned that, specialised sergeant Volkan Şevik, on duty at Urfa Armoured Tank Brigadier No 20, who was taken to the hospital in an unconscious condition after fainting during fully-equipped training and, died on July 7, 2019. Specialised sergeant Mehmet Dursun has fainted during the same training and has died on July 27, 2019. (07/078) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is reported that 2 soldiers were wounded due to an explosion during passage of a military vehicle in rural areas of Pervari district of Siirt on July 5, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 5, 2019 that, 4 HPG militants died due to an air bombardment to Xakurkê area in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government. It is learned from the news coverage of July 7, 2019 that, 3 HPG militants died due to an air bombardment to Qandil area in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on July 5, 2019; and 3 HPG militants died due to an air bombardment to rural areas of Tatvan district of Bitlis on June 22, 2019. (07/079) The Child Was Wounded Due to Explosion in Siirt… On July 5, 2019, a child named İ.K. (13, m) was wounded heavily due to explosion of a material he found in rural areas of Eruh district of Siirt. It is reported that İ.K. was first taken to Siirt Public Hospital and then was taken to Diyarbakır.

(07/080) People Were Subjected to Police Violence in Şırnak… It is learned that 8 people including 2 people suffering from cancer (Aziz Aykut and Ramazan Aykut who suffer from cancer and Agit Durmuş, Şaban Çokdoğan, Şükrü Güven, Ali Akdağ, Ekrem Yiğit, Selim Abi) were detained in house raids in Beytüşşebap district of Şırnak on July 5, 2019 and that both detainees and other people in the house were subjected to physical violence of the police. It is reported that a child named S.Y. (17, m) has bruises on his body due to police violence. (07/081) The Child Was Kept in Custody in Urfa… It is learned from the news coverage of July 6, 2019 that, a child named N.Z.B. (15, f) who was detained with her family through an investigation against People’s Democratic Party (HDP) on June 27, 2019; was still kept in custody in Urfa Police Directorate Juvenile Department. It is reported that detention period was expanded 2 times for detainees who are planned to be referred to the court on July 8, 2019. Lawyer Sevda Çelik Özbingöl from Urfa Bar Association stated that, at the court house where the detainees were taken for expansion procedures, the judge wanted to interrogate N.Z.B. without having her lawyers in and did not allow the lawyers to speak before the verdict. (07/082) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 5, 2019 that, Yakup Alphan, a prisoner in Elazığ High Security Prison No 2 was subjected to physical violence of the wardens and was put into a solitary cell. It is learned from the news coverage of July 7, 2019 that, in Izmir Şakran T Type Prison No 2, personal belongings of prisoners were damaged, some of them were seized during ward searches and that, prisoners were prevented from their social, cultural and sports rights. (07/083) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 7, 2019 that, Muhsin Kızılkan, a prisoner suffering from cancer in Iskenderun T Type Prison, was getting worse because of not being regularly given the medication he has to get and thus he was taken to intense care unit of Iskenderun Public Hospital. It is stated in the news reports that his family was not allowed to see Muhsin Kızılkan. (07/084) Hunger Strike in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 5, 2019 that, lawyer Mustafa Koçak, who is being judged as heavy life sentence offence for death of prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz, who was killed on March 31, 2015; went on an indefinite hunger strike in Izmir F Type Prison No 2. It is reported that Mustafa Koçak demands effective investigation on the case, his right to defence not to be limited and his right to a fair trial not to be violated. (07/085) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan… It is learned that the appeal made on July 5, 2019 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.  (07/086) 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 971 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 5, 6, and 7, 2019 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 July 5, 2019, 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Merve Demirel and Mehmet Dersulu) and at 18.00 2 people (Merve Demirel and İlker Işık) were detained. It is learned that Merve Demirel and Mehmet Dersulu were injured due to police intervention at 13.30. It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on July 6, 2019, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt, İlker Işık) and at 18.00 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt, 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 7, 2019, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt, İlker Işık) and at 18.00 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt, İlker Işık) were detained. Thus in total 13 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 5, 6, and 7, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (07/087) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara… On July 6, 2019, Cemal Yıldırım, holding a press declaration on Sakarya Street in Çankaya district of Ankara in order to regain his job from which he was dismissed, and Mahmut Konuk who was there to support him, are detained by police intervention. It is learned that 2 people were released on the same day. (07/088) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul… The police intervened into the protest of Extinction Rebellion Turkey activists in front of French Consulate on Istiklal Street, Istanbul on July 5, 2019 and detained 5 people. The names of detained people are: Can Tonbil,

Elif Ünal, Semih Azad Yılan, Deniz Köse and Hakan Yapar. (07/089) 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 745th time on July 6, 2019. 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. (07/090) Prevention of Human Rights Defenders’ Event in Istanbul… “F sit-in”, which is organized for the 380th time by Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch Prison Watch Committee, to demand release of ill prisoners, on July 6, 2019, 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. (07/091) Detained HDK Members and Executives in Ankara… On July 5, 2019, People’s Democratic Congress (HDK) co-spokesperson Fatma Kılıçarslan and HDK member Yahya Dağ are detained in house raids in Ankara, and People’s Democratic Party (HDP) members Mehmet Kaygın, Salih Şahin and Ferit Ak are detained in house raids in Urfa, through an Ankara based investigation. It is reported that 3 people detained in Urfa are taken to Ankara. (07/092) The Supreme Court’s Decision on the Case Against Journalists… On July 5, 2019, Penal Department No 16 of the Supreme Court reversed the heavy life imprisonment sentences which was given to journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan, Nazlı Ilıcak and Şükrü Tuğrul Özşengül, Fevzi Yazıcı and Yakup Şimşek on the charge of ‘violating the Constitution’, by Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 26 and was approved by Penal Department No 2 of Istanbul Regional Court. It is stated in the reverse decision that Ahmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak have committed the offence of ‘knowingly and willingly aiding an illegal organisation’, and that Mehmet Altan should be acquitted. It is stated in the decision that Şükrü Tuğrul Özşengül, Fevzi Yazıcı and Yakup Şimşek have committed the offence of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court rejected to release Ahmet Altan, Nazlı Ilıcak, Şükrü Tuğrul Özşengül, Fevzi Yazıcı and Yakup Şimşek. (07/093) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul… The final trial of the case against Aslı Ceren Aslan, former executive editor of Özgür Gelecek newspaper, is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 on July 7, 2019. The court sentenced Aslı Ceren Aslan to 6 years and 10 months and 15 days for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. Aslı Ceren Aslan was arrested on February 9, 2017. (07/094) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul… The case against Orhan Erinç, the former grant holder and Mehmet Kızmaz, the reporter of Cumhuriyet newspaper, for the news reports on labour killings at Istanbul’s 3rd airport construction, is held on Istanbul Commercial Court of First Instance No 19 on July 5, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to September 2019. (07/095) Former HDP Executive on Trial in Adana… The final trial of the case against Mustafa Kemal Kara, former district co-chair of HDP in Kozan, on the grounds of his social media posts, is held on Adana Heavy Penal Court No 13 on July 5, 2019. The court sentenced Mustafa Kemal Kara to 1 year and 3 months for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and deferred the announcement of the verdict. (07/096) The Case Against Former CHP MP… It is learned from the news coverage of July 5, 2019 that, the indictment prepared by Balıkesir Public Prosecutor’s Office, against Mehmet Tüm, former Balıkesir MP of Republican People’s Party (CHP), on the grounds of his declarations on Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chair Devlet Bahçeli and the Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu, and acclaiming words about Deniz Gezmiş, is accepted by Balıkesir Penal Court of First Instance No 4. The first trial of the case will be held on July 9, 2019. (07/098) Person on Trial for ‘Insulting the President’ in Ankara… It is learned from the news coverage of July 7, 2019 that, the indictment prepared by Ankara Public Prosecutor’s Office against Mustafa Doğan, who lost his son at October 10 – Ankara massacre, is accepted by Ankara Penal Court of First Instance No 8. The indictment charges Mustafa Doğan to ‘insulting the President’ by saying “We do not trust justice in this country, the murderer state will give the account, it should be known that the governing regime killed our beloved ones on October 10. It should be known that the killer is AKP government, and the fascist Tayyip Erdoğan. Tayyip Erdoğan is the one who destroyed the future of my child”. The first trial of the case will be held on July 9, 2019. (07/099) Person Who is Prosecuted in Istanbul… It is learned from the news coverage of July 7, 2019 that, a prosecution is initiated by Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against a person named O.Y., on the charge of ‘praising an offence and the offender’, on the grounds of holding a banner which says “Freedom to Demirtaş and to all political prisons” during the

graduation ceremony at Boğaziçi University on July 5, 2019. It is reported that O.Y. gave an official statement at Beşiktaş Police Station. (07/100) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”… The case against Professor Öget Öktem Tanör, retired from Bilim University, for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 30 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 5, 2019. The court decided to wait for the appeal to the Constitutional Court by a group of academics for peace and adjourned the trial to December 4, 2019. The case against research assistant Seçil Ercan from Marmara University, for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 33 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 5, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to October 3, 2019. (07/101) The Number of Personnel Dismissed from Turkish Armed Forces After State of Emergency… It is learned from the news coverage of July 6, 2019 that 2138 people (1122 from Land Forces Command, 521 from Naval Forces Command, and 495 from Air Forces Command) are dismissed so far from Turkish Armed Forces after the state of emergency was lifted. (07/102) Ban on Access to a Web Site… It is learned from the news coverage of July 6, 2019 that www.nuceciwan26.com website of Nuçe Ciwan News Agency is banned to access by Information and Communication Technologies authority (BTK). Thus, access to the website of Nuçe Ciwan News Agency is banned to access for 36 times so far.    9 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/103) Person Died in Prison…  It is learned from the news coverage of July 8, 2019 that, preliminary autopsy of İrfan Kılıç, who was claimed to kill himself at Kandıra F Type Prison No 2 on July 3, 2019, is prepared. It is learned that the report states that İrfan Kılıç died due to injury. (07/104) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara… On July 8, 2019, the police used pepper spray to intervene the students of METU, who were on watch for 55 days against the construction plan of a student dorm of General Directorate of Credit and Dormitories Agency, inside the forested area in the campus and removed the students from the area by using physical violence. It is learned that numerous students felt ill due to pepper spray and 1 student was detained and was released later on the same day. It is reported that officials of Çankaya Municipality who arrived to seal the construction site due to being unauthorized were not allowed in by the police. It is also learned that academics and parliamentary members were not allowed to enter the area. (07/105) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul… The police intervened the people who wanted to march after holding a press declaration in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on July 8, 2019, to protest the police intervention against METU students. At least 1 person is detained. The name of detained person is unknown. (07/106) 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 972 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 8, 2019 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 July 8, 2019, 3 people (Mehmet Dersulu, Nazan Bozkurt and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Merve Demirel) were detained. Thus in total 5 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 8, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (07/107) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara… The police intervened the protestors in front of Çankaya Public Health Directorate on July 8, 2019, who rally to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees, and detained 2 people (Mahmut Konuk and 1 more person). It is learned that 2 people were released the same day. (07/108) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul… Nursel Tanrıverdi and Selvi Polat who make a sit-in protest at Bakırköy Square on July 8, 2019, to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees are detained by the police intervening the protest. 2 people are released on the same day. (07/109) Detained HDP MP and Others in Diyarbakır…

The police prevented the event “No to war, let’s get together in democracy”, organized by People’s Democratic Party (HDP) in Diyarbakır on July 8, 2019 on the grounds of ban of Diyarbakır Governorate. HDP Diyarbakır MP Dersim Dağ blocked the road since she was not allowed to drive to HDP Kayapınar district office. Dersim Dağ and 2 of her advisors in the car are taken into the detention car by the police afterwards. It is learned that HDP Diyarbakır MP Saliha Aydeniz reacted against this and was subjected to physical violence of the police. It is reported that Dersim Dağ and 2 advisors of her were released later on. (07/110) Detained City Council Member and Others in Urfa… 4 of 9 people including Dilan Ablay, elected city council member from HDP, who were detained in Ceylanpınar district of Urfa on June 27, 2019, are arrested by the court on July 8, 2019. 1 person is released after statement procedures and 4 people including Dilan Ablay and a child (N.Z.A., f, 15) are released on judicial control conditions. The names of arrested people are: Kays Işık, Muhlis Ablay, Ali Oral and Mehmet Sadık Şimşek. (07/111) Detained City Council Member and Others in Tunceli… On July 8, 2019, Mithat Kayan, elected city council member from HDP and Hüseyin Can are detained in house raids in Pertek district of Tunceli. (07/112) Detained Executives of HDP in Antalya… On July 8, 2019, HDP Alanya district co-chair Safiye Dalgıç and district executives Tefra Akçin and Abdulhekim Aktaş are detained in house raids in Alanya district of Antalya. It is learned that special operation force members raiding Safiye Dalgıç’s house has put their guns to the heads of persons in the house. (07/113) Detained Executive of HDK in Ankara… People’s Democratic Congress (HDK) Ankara co-spokesperson Fatma Kılıçarslan and HDP Youth Assembly member Yahya Dağ, who were detained in Ankara on July 5, 2019 are released on judicial control conditions on July 8, 2019. It is learned that detention period for Mehmet Kaygın, Salih Şahin and Ferit Ak who were detained in Urfa through the same investigation, is extended 4 more days. (07/114) Journalist o Trial in Diyarbakır… The first trial of the case against Ferhat Parlak, grant holder and reporter of Silvan Mücadele local newspaper, is held on Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 11 on July 8, 2019. The indictment demands sentence for Ferhat Parlak on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. After defence hearings the court released Ferhat Parlak and adjourned the trial to November 6, 2019. Ferhat Parlak was detained on April 11, 2018 in Diyarbakır and was arrested on April 14, 2019. (07/115) People on Trial in Tunceli on the Charge of Making Propaganda for an Illegal Organisation… It is learned from the news coverage of July 8, 2019 that 5 people including Sermet Yalçın, father of Özgüç Yalçın, a TKP/ML-TİKKO militant who died in a clash in Tunceli in 2015, were on trial for attending Özgüç Yalçın’s funeral. It is learned that the court sentenced 5 people to 10 months each and deferred the announcement of the verdict. (07/116) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The case against Hüseyin Güngör Babacan, former member of The Supreme Court is held on July 8, 2019 on Penal Department No 9 of The Supreme Court. The court sentenced Hüseyin Güngör Babacan to 10 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’.    10 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/117) Allegation of Extra Judicial Killing in Şırnak… It is learned from the news coverage of July 9, 2019 that, Abdulhakim Demir and Vali Çevik, 2 shepherds are found dead with gunshot wounds to their heads in rural areas of Geçitboyu village in central district of Şırnak. (07/118) Person Died Due to Armed Assault in Hakkari… It is learned that a person named Ayşe Çiçek (62) died due to an armed assault in Cevizli village of Hakkari’s Çukurca district. It is reported that her son Muhammed Çiçek (14) was also wounded and taken to first Çukurca Public Hospital and then to another hospital in Van. (07/119) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned that 2 soldiers died due to an attack of HPG militants to a military vehicle in rural areas of Hakkari’s central district on July 9, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 9, 2019 that 5 HPG militants died in a clash in rural areas of Tunceli’s central district on May 10, 2019. (07/120) Person Was Subjected to Torture and Ill-Treatment of the Police in Izmir… It is learned from the news coverage of July 9, 2019 that, a person who was detained in Bayraklı district of Izmir

on July 7, 2019 was subjected to physical violence of the police while being put in the detention car with handcuffs behind his back. It is reported that the physical violence was video recorded and was shared on social media. (07/121) Newspapers and Books Were Not Given to Prisoners… It is learned from the news coverage of July 9, 2019 that prisoners kept in Batman M Type Prison were not given Birgün, Evrensel and Yeni Yaşam newspapers although they demand; and that Kurdish books sent to them from outside were not given either. (07/122) 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 973 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 9, 2019 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 July 9, 2019, 3 people (Mahmut Konuk and Acun Karadağ) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and İlker Işık) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 9, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (07/123) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”… The separate cases against 4 academicians (Professor Ertuğrul Tonak from Bilgi University, PhD student Burak Köse from York University, Zeynep Güney from Istanbul FSM University, Assist. Professor Sema Bayraktar Tür from Bilgi University) for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 23 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 9, 2019. The court decided to consolidate all four cases with other cases against academics. The next trial of the consolidated case will be held on November 5, 2019. The case against research assistant Düzgün Uğur from Dicle University, for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 26 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 9, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 11, 2019. The case against PhD Sakine Çil from Boğaziçi University, for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 37 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 9, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 4, 2019. The separate cases against 2 academicians (Professor Kuban Altınel from Boğaziçi University and PhD student B.K.), for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 9, 2019. The court adjourned both the trials to October 31, 2019. The case against Assoc. Professor Serdar Ulaş Bayraktar from Mersin University, for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 29 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 9, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 6, 2019. The case against Assoc. Professor Sevilay Çelenk from Ankara University, for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 28 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 9, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 19, 2019. (07/124) Journalist on Trial in Ankara… The case against journalist Çiğdem Toker, for her news report “If you are looking for austerity check the subway tenders” which was published on Cumhuriyet daily on October 27, 2017, is held on Ankara Penal Court of First Instance No 13 on July 9, 2019. The lawsuit demanding 1.5 million Turkish Liras for immaterial damages was brought to court upon complaint of Şenbay Mining Corporation. The court adjourned the trial to October 17, 2019. (07/125) Former HDP MP on Trial… The case against Mizgin Irgat, former Bitlis MP of People’s Democratic Party (HDP), is held on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 19 on July 9, 2019. The indictment demands sentence for Mizgin Irgat on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. The court adjourned the trial to November 28, 2019. (07/126) Executives of HDP and DBP on Trial… The case against HDP Cizre district co-chair Güler Tunç and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Cizre district cochair Selahattin Kolanç, on the charge of ‘praising an offence and the offender’ for a press declaration they participated in, is held on Cizre Penal Court of First Instance No 1 on July 9, 2019. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to November 7, 2019. (07/127) Lawyer on Trial in Ankara… The case against lawyer Kenan Maçoğlu from HDP’s Law Commission, on the charge of ‘insulting the President’ is held on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 8 on July 9, 2019. It is learned that the reason of the case was an official complaint made by Kenan Maçoğlu against President Tayyip Erdoğan and ministers back then, after the

statements of Reza Zarrab in the USA. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to October 3, 2019. (07/128) Person on Trial for ‘Insulting the President’ in Ankara… The first case against Mustafa Doğan, who lost his son at October 10 – Ankara massacre, on the charge of ‘insulting the President’ by saying “We do not trust justice in this country, the murderer state will give the account, it should be known that the governing regime killed our beloved ones on October 10. It should be known that the killer is AKP government, and the fascist Tayyip Erdoğan, is held on Ankara Penal Court of First Instance No 8 on July 9, 2019. The court sentenced Mustafa Doğan to 10 months and deferred the announcement of the verdict. (07/129) Police Officers on Trial for Torture and Ill-Treatment… The final trial of the case against police chief Oktay Kapsız and police officers Ramazan Adıgüzel, Abdülcelil Karadağ, Gürbüz Kurnaz, Osman Ölker and Yalçın Beşikçi, on the charge of ‘killing a person under custody by torture’ is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 2 on July 9, 2019. The court sentenced Oktay Kapsız, Ramazan Adıgüzel, Murat Ertürk, Abdülcelil Karadağ to life imprisonment and acquitted Gürbüz Kurnaz, Osman Ölker and Yalçın Beşikçi. The court did not decide to arrest Oktay Kapsız, Ramazan Adıgüzel, Murat Ertürk and Abdülcelil Karadağ but decided to apply judicial control conditions. It is learned that Oktay Kapsız is still on duty as district police chief in Çukurca district of Hakkari. Murat Konuş, who was detained in Istanbul on January 7, 2010, was subjected to torture and ill-treatment at Public Security Directorate and after fainting due to torture he was taken to Şişli Education and Research Hospital where he died. The autopsy report given by Forensic Medicine Institution stated the reason of death as “brain haemorrhage due to blunt head trauma”. (07/130) The Case Against the Ministry of Interior About the Person Died in October 10 Massacre… It is learned from the news coverage of July 9, 2019 that, the case on Ankara Administrative Court No 17 against the Ministry of Interior about death of Tekin Aslan in October 10 Massacre is ended and that the court sentenced the Ministry of Interior to pay 349.000 Turkish Liras (180.000 Turkish Liras for immaterial and 169.000 Turkish Liras for material damages) to Tekin Aslan’s family. (07/131) Constitutional Court’s Decision on Doğukan Bilir’s Appeal… On July 9, 2019, Constitutional Court concluded the individual appeal of Doğukan Bilir who was wounded due to being subjected to physical violence of the police and civilian people in Eskişehir. The court decided that ban on torture was violated and decided that 25.000 Turkish Liras should be paid to Doğukan Bilir as damages. The court also decided that obligation of effective investigation on the cases of ban of torture was violated and that defendants should be judged again. Doğukan Bilir has opened a case against officials in charge of the violence, on Eskişehir Penal Court of First Instance and the court acquitted 1 police officer, and sentenced 2 police officers and 1 civilian to a fine of 3000 Turkish Liras each. Eskişehir Provincial Disciplinary Committee of Police Directorate decided to suspend promotion of 3 police officers for 16 months. (07/132) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 9, 2019, 11 people are detained in operations covering 2 cities through a Balıkesir based investigation; and 20 people are detained in operations covering 12 cities through an Ankara based investigation. It is learned that a detention warrant is issued for 176 military members on active duty, including 1 colonel, 2 majors, 5 lieutenant colonels and 7 lieutenants, through an Istanbul based investigation. It is learned that a detention warrant is issued for 35 people including military members on active duty through an Izmir based investigation. (07/133) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The case against İsmail Uğuz, former employee of Edirne Directorate of Security is held on July 9, 2019 on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13. The court sentenced İsmail Uğuz to 13 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. (07/134) Proceedings Against Parliamentary Members… It is learned from the news coverage of July 9, 2019 that, the proceedings against 10 parliamentary members are submitted to the Constitution and Justice Committee of the Grand National Assembly, demanding lifting of legal impunity. The parliamentary members are: Republican People’s Party (CHP) chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, CHP group deputy chair Özgür Özel, CHP Istanbul MP Oğuz Kaan Salıcı, CHP Burdur MP Mehmet Göker, HDP Antalya MP Kemal Bülbül, HDP Siirt MP Meral Danış Beştaş, HDP Tunceli MP Alican Önlü, HDP Şanlıurfa MP Ömer Öcalan, HDP Şanlıurfa MP Ayşe Sürücü, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Ordu MP Cemal Enginyurt.

 

 

11 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/135) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned from the news coverage of July 10, 2019 that, a civilian named Onur Vural got wounded due to fire opened by security forces during a military operation around Sığınık rural neighbourhood of Diyarbakır’s Lice district. (07/136) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 10, 2019 that 6 prisoners in Bursa H Type Closed prison were subjected to physical violence of the gendarmerie while they were being referred to the hospital. (07/137) Hunger Strike in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 10, 2019 that, 5 prisoners who have been said “we are taking you to the hospital” and then were transferred under coercion to Kayseri Bünyan Prison 1 from Kayseri Bünyan Prison 2, were on hunger strike since July 2, 2019. (07/140) 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 974 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 10, 2019 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 July 10, 2019, 2 people (Mahmut Konuk and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Merve Demirel) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 10, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (07/141) Detained Former Co-Mayor… On July 10, 2019, former co-mayor of Şırnak’s Uludere district Yunus Ürek and former city council member Abdullah Ürek and Cevher Paksoy are detained. It is learned that 3 people are released on judicial control conditions on the same day. (07/142) Lawyers on Trial… The case against 22 lawyers from People’s Law Office and Progressive Lawyers’ Association which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 18 on July 10, 2019. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to December 25, 2019. Selçuk Kozağaçlı, Taylan Tanay, Barkın Timtik, Ebru Timtik, Günay Dağ, Oya Aslan, Özgür Yılmaz, Güray Dağ, Gülvin Aydın, Efkan Bolaç, Serhan Arıkanoğlu, Zeki Rüzgâr, Mümin Özgür Gider, Metin Narin, Sevgi Sönmez, Alper Tunga Saral, Rahim Yılmaz, Selda Yılmaz are on trial without arrest in this case. (07/143) Executives of HDP on Trial in Adana… The first trial of the case against 12 members and executives of People’s Democratic Party, 8 of which are arrested including HDP’s Adana provincial co-chair Gülseren Tural, is held on Adana Heavy Penal Court No 12 on July 10, 2019. After defence hearings the court released all 8 arrested people and adjourned the trial. 8 people including Gülseren Tural were arrested on March 30, 2019. (07/144) Prison Massacre Case… The case against 196 people who were on duty at Gendarmerie General Command during “Operation Back to Life”, which caused death of 12 people and injury of 29 in Bayrampaşa Prison, is held on Bakırköy Heavy Penal Court No 13 on July 10, 2019. The operation which killed 32 people in 20 prisons in total was conducted to enable conversion of the prisons to F Type prisons and to end hunger strikes in prisons on December 19, 2000. It is learned that Gendarmerie General Command answered the demand for sending transcripts of wireless radio-sets as saying that they do not have any records of radio-set communication and thus cannot send transcripts. The court adjourned the trial to December 4, 2019. (07/145) The Case of Bombing Attack in Van… The final trial of the case against Medeni Oruç, about the bombing attack to 2 Nisan Police Station on August 17, 2016, in İpekyolu district of Van where 2 police officers and 2 civilians died, is held on Van Heavy Penal Court No 2 on July 10, 2019. The court sentenced Medeni Oruç to heavy life imprisonment for 5 times, to 1057 years on several charges and to a fine of 84.000 Turkish Liras. (07/146) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 10, 2019, a detention warrant is issued through an Adana based investigation for 12 police officers including the ones dismissed by state of emergency decrees. It is learned that operations are initiated in 8 cities for detention. On July 10, 2019, a detention warrant is issued for 28 military members on active duty through an Istanbul based investigation against Turkish Armed Forces personnel.

(07/147) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The final trial of the case against 53 people, for the incidents at Etimesgut Armoured Forces School during July 15 – coup attempt, is held on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 19 on July 10, 2019. The court sentenced 8 people to heavy life imprisonment and 25 people to life imprisonment for ‘violating the Constitution’. The court sentenced 1 person to life imprisonment for ‘wilful murder’. The court sentenced 1 person to 13 years and 4 months for ‘injury’. The court sentenced 14 people to jail times from 12 years and 6 months to 15 years for ‘aiding the violation of the Constitution’. The court sentenced 3 people to jail times from 6 years and 3 months to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court acquitted 2 people.    12 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/148) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned that on July 11, 2019, improvised explosive material inside a waste bin in Cizre district of Şırnak exploded during patrol of a group of watchmen and 3 watchmen got wounded. 9 people are detained in house raids after the incident. The names of detained people learned so far are: Gökhan Erkul, Diyar Acet, Nurullah Kurami, Mustafa Ekren, Diyar Ölmez and Hakim Eksen. It is learned from the news coverage of July 11, 2019 that, 1 HPG militant died in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Hatay on July 2, 2019; and 1 HPG militant died in a clash in rural areas of Diyarbakır’s Hani district on June 24, 2019. (07/149) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 11, 2019 that prisoners were subjected to physical and verbal violence of the wardens during ward searches in Elazığ High Security Prison and that prisoners who react to this were put into solitary cells. (07/150) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 11, 2019 that, 6 prisoners who ended hunger strike after 145 days in Bayburt M Type Prison were still not medically treated. (07/151) Person Was Subjected to Physical Violence of the Police in Istanbul… It is learned from the news coverage of July 11, 2019 that, 1 person, who had a quarrel with another passenger, was subjected to physical violence of the special task police force on duty at Ayrılık Çeşmesi station of Marmaray in Kadıköy district of Istanbul. (07/152) 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 975 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 11, 2019 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 July 11, 2019, 2 people (Merve Demirel and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 3 people (Eyüp Aksoy, Acun Karadağ and Merve Demirel) were detained. Thus in total 5 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 11, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released the same day. (07/153) Detained Co-Mayor in Erzurum… On July 11, 2019, 10 people including Burhanettin Şahin, co-mayor of Karayazı district of Erzurum elected as People’s Democratic Party (HDP) candidate, and city council members Yüksel Kişin, Erdal Bayram, Mahmut Çimendağ, Mehmet Latif Karakuş are detained. (07/154) Detained People in Adana for ‘Making Propaganda for an Illegal Organisation’… On July 11, 2019, 8 people are detained on the grounds of ‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation on social media’ in house raids in Adana and Antalya through an Adana based investigation. The names of detained people are unknown. (07/155) Detained People in Festival in Hatay… On July 11, 2019, the police intervened the stall of People’s Front at Evvel Temmuz Festival in Antakya district of Hatay and detained 11 people. It is learned that detainees were released after statement procedures. (07/156) Detained People Through an Ankara Based Investigation… On July 11, 2019, 1 person (Ferit Ak) out of 3 people who were detained in Urfa through an Ankara based investigation on July 5, 2019 (Mehmet Kaygın, Salih Şahin and Ferit Ak), is arrested by the court on the grounds on ‘aiding an illegal organisation’. 2 people are released on judicial control conditions. People’s Democratic Congress (DTK) co-spokesperson Fatma Kılıçarslan and HDP Youth Assembly member Yahya Dağ, who were detained through the same investigation were released on judicial control conditions on July 8, 2019. (07/157) Detained People in Izmir…

It is learned that on July 11, 2019, 10 people are detained in house raids in Izmir through an investigation against PKK. The names of detainees are unknown. (07/158) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”… The case against research assistant Sibel Bekiroğlu from Middle East Technical University for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 27 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 11, 2019. The court sentenced Sibel Bekiroğlu to 1 year and 3 months on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and deferred the announcement of the verdict. The separate cases against 2 academicians (research assistant Zeynep Arıkan and Assist. Professor Meltem Gürle from Boğaziçi University) for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 37 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ are held on July 11, 2019. The court adjourned both trials to December 17, 2019. The case against Yıldırım Şentürk from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 25 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 11, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 12, 2019. The case against Professor Ümit Biçer from Kocaeli University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 29 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 11, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 10, 2019. The case against research assistant Eren Kırmızıaltın from Gazi University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 36 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 11, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to November 13, 2019. (07/159) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul… The case against Necla Demir, grant holder of Gazete Karınca news portal, on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 33 on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 11, 2109. The court adjourned the trial to October 11, 2019. (07/160) People on Trial in Hatay… The first trial of the case against 17 women, for the events they organized for 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 2014 in Hatay, is held on Hatay Penal Court of First Instance No 3 on July 11, 2019. After identification, summary of indictment and defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to December 12, 2019. (07/161) People on Trial for Murder of Derik Sub-governor… The re-trial of the case against 8 people, for the murder of Derik sub-governor Muhammet Fatih Safitürk by a bombing attack at his office on November 10, 2016, is held on Penal Department No 3 of Antep Regional Court on July 11, 2019. Mardin Heavy Penal Court No 3 has acquitted those 8 people and the verdict was reversed. Devran Aslan, one of the defendants told that he has given his testimony under pressure of the police. The court adjourned the trial to November 21, 2019. (07/162) Journalist Hüseyin Aykol is Put in Prison… Hüseyin Aykol, former executive co-editor of Özgür Gündem newspaper which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, is detained in Ankara on July 11, 2019, on the grounds of a 3 years and 9 months’ sentence given to him on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and is put in Sincan F Type Prison No 2. (07/163) Ban of Event in Giresun… It is learned from the news coverage of July 11, 2019 that Aziz Nesin’s play “Toros Canavarı” which was planned to be staged in Halkalı village of Giresun’s Keşap district on July 13, 2019, is banned by Giresun Governorate. (07/164) Suspended Local Authorities in Urfa… It is learned from the news coverage of July 11, 2019 that, certificates of elected local authorities of 3 neighbourhoods in Halfeti district of Urfa are cancelled by the Supreme Electoral Council on the grounds of ineligibility. The local authorities subjected to cancellation are: Müslüm Karabaş –  Günece neighbourhood, Hikmet Yılmaz – Macunlu neighbourhood and İbrahim Atsız – Sütveren neighbourhood. It is reported that a new election will be held in these 3 neighbourhoods on June 7, 2020 and that neighbourhood council members appointed by sub-governor will be in charge until then. (07/165) Ban on Access to a Web Site… It is learned from the news coverage of July 11, 2019 that www.avrupaforum.org website of European Forum is banned to access by Information and Communication Technologies authority (BTK), on the grounds of the verdict of Ankara Penal Court of Peace No 3 on July 5, 2019.

 

 

 

13 – 16 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/166) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned from the news coverage of July 12, 2019 that, 1 HPG militant died due in a bombardment of Turkish Air Force to Qandil area in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on July 5, 2019. The Ministry of National Defence announced on July 13, 2019 that a new military operation named “Claw-2” is launched against some areas in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government. It is learned that 3 soldiers died and 1 soldier got wounded in a clash in rural areas of Hakkari’s central district on July 14, 2019. It is learned that 1 soldier who got wounded in a bombing attack to a military vehicle in rural areas of Hakkari’s central district on July 9, 2019, died in hospital on July 14, 2019. It is learned that 1 worker died and 2 workers got wounded in a bombing attack against road construction equipment in rural areas of Şırnak’s Beytüşşebap district on July 15, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 15, 2019 that, 3 HPG militants died in a bombardment of Turkish Air Force to rural areas of Hakkari’s Çukurca district. (07/167) Children Died Due to Explosion in Tunceli… On July 15, 2019, 2 children, Ayaz Güloğlu (8) and Nupelda Güloğlu (4) died due to an explosion in rural areas of Bilgeç village in Tunceli’s Ovacık district. Tunceli Governorate made a declaration on July 15, 2019 and stated that the explosion was caused by “explosive material prepositioned in the area by PKK”. (07/168) Allegation of Torture and Ill-Treatment in Erzurum… It is learned from the news coverage of July 14, 2019 that, Nuri Kandemir, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) district executive who was detained in house raids in Karayazı district of Erzurum on July 11, 2019 was subjected to physical violence of the police during detention. Nuri Kandemir’s wife Melek Kandemir stated the following: “They knocked the door at midnight, we opened the door with my husband (…) When my husband stood up, they hit him with a gunstock at the shoulder and pushed him to the ground. One of them choked him while another was handcuffing him behind his back. They put the handcuffs so tight that his wrists were bleeding. Me and my children started to shout at them and they took us out of the house. I started shouting outside of the house to make the neighbours hear. They got me in the house again (…) They cluttered our house up. My children are heavily influenced and has psychological effects of this. I went to the prosecutor’s office then, and stated that my husband was torture. Karayazı District Prosecutor’s Office told me that the case was proceeded in Erzurum and I should go there too.” (07/169) Person Was Subjected to Physical Violence of Watchmen in Izmir… It is learned from the news coverage of July 14, 2019 that, on July 13, 2019 in Karşıkaya district of Izmir, a person named O.G. (20, m) was detained by watchmen by using physical violence and being handcuffed behind his back, because of not showing his identity card. It is reported that O.G. was released after statement procedures at the police station. It is also reported that the video recording of physical violence that O.G. was subjected to is shared on social media. (07/170) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 15, 2019 that Müslüm Gönül, a prisoner in Silivri L Type Prison No 2 was subjected to physical violence of the wardens on July 2, 2019 and has bruises and swellings on his body due to violence. (07/171) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan… It is learned that the appeal made on July 12, 2019 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.  (07/172) 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 979 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2019 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 July 12, 2019, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Merve Demirel) and at 18.00 2 people (Merve Demirel 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 13, 2019, 3 people (Mehmet Dersulu, Acun Karadağ and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people

(Nazan Bozkurt and Alev Şahin) were detained. It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on July 14, 2019, 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Alev Şahin) were detained. It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on July 15, 2019, 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Selvi Polat and İlker Işık) were detained. Thus in total 17 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2019. It is learned that 16 of detainees were released the same days they were detained. Merve Demirel who was detained in the press declaration held at 18.00 on July 12, 2019 was detained again by AntiTerror Department police at the hospital she was taken for medical check, on the grounds of another investigation against her. It is learned from the news reports that Merve Demirel’s headscarf was forcefully taken off by the police under custody. (07/173) House Raids and Detentions in Ankara… It is learned that 2 people (Mehmet Yılmaz and Bengisu Demirel) are detained in house raids in Ankara on July 12, 2019. It is also reported that Acun Karadağ’s house was raided and some books along with the computer in the house were seized by the police. Acun Karadağ is one of the participators of “I Want My Job Back” protests on Yüksel Street. (07/174) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara… On July 13, 2019, Cemal Yıldırım, holding a press declaration on Sakarya Street in Çankaya district of Ankara in order to regain his job from which he was dismissed, and Mahmut Konuk who was there to support him, are detained by police intervention. It is learned that 2 people were released on the same day. (07/175) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara… The police intervened the protestors in front of Çankaya Public Health Directorate on July 8, 2019, who rally to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees, and detained 3 people (Mahmut Konuk, Acun Karadağ and Cemal Yıldırım). It is learned that 3 people were released the same day. (07/176) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul… Nursel Tanrıverdi who make a sit-in protest at Bakırköy Square on July 8, 2019, to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees is detained by the police intervening the protest. It is learned that Nursel Tanrıverdi was released after statement procedures. (07/177) 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 746th time on July 13, 2019. 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. (07/178) Prevention of Human Rights Defenders’ Event in Istanbul…  “F sit-in”, which is organized for the 381st time by Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch Prison Watch Committee, to demand release of ill prisoners, on July 13, 2019, 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. (07/179) Detained People in Festival in Hatay… On July 13, 2019, the police intervened the people who stay in the festival area of Evvel Temmuz celebrations in Samandağ district of Hatay, to protest governorate’s ban on Grup Yorum concert at the festival, and detained 8 people including Grup Yorum members, by using physical violence. It is learned that 1 person was injured at the head due to violence. It is reported that detainees were released on the same day.  On July 11, 2019, the police intervened Evvel Temmuz celebrations and detained 11 people. (07/180) Detained Journalist in Mardin… Mezopotamya News Agency reporter Ahmet Kanbal is detained in Mardin on July 13, 2019, on the grounds of social media posts. Ahmet Kanbal is released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 15, 2019. (07/181) Detained Executive of HDP in Antalya… Safiye Dalgıç, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) district co-chair, Abdulhekim Aktaş, HDP district executive and Tefra Akçin, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) district executive who were detained on July 8, 2019, in Alanya district of Antalya, on the grounds of “providing communication with outside” to prisoners in Antalya L Type Prison, are arrested by the court on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ on July 12, 2019. (07/182) Detained DBP Executive in Diyarbakır… On July 12, 2019, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) district executive Recep Ateşmen is detained in house raids

in Dicle district of Diyarbakır. It is learned that Recep Ateşmen was subjected to physical violence of the police during detention. (07/183) Detained City Council Member and Executives and Members of DBP and DTK… On July 12, 2019, 6 people including Gaffur Kubilay, who was elected on March 31 as city council from HDP, are detained in house raids in central and Kurtalan districts of Siirt. The names of detained people are: Gaffur Kubilay, Hikmet Danış, DBP former provincial co-chair Kıymet Mut, Democratic Society Congress (DTK) members Emine Şen, Adnan Kutluk and Sait Sak. (07/184) Detained People in Şırnak… 9 people who were detained in Cizre district of Şırnak on July 11, 2019, related to the explosion in a garbage dumpster which injured 3 watchmen, are released after statement procedures at the prosecutor’s office on July 13, 2019. (07/185) People on Trial in Batman… It is learned from the news coverage of July 13, 2019 that the indictment of Batman Public Prosecutor’s Office against 8 members of HDP Youth Assembly one of which is arrested, on the grounds of blocking a road in Batman on April 28, 2019, as a protest to demand an end to isolation of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, is accepted by Batman Heavy Penal Court No 2. The indictment demands sentence for 8 people on the charges of ‘committing an offence on behalf of an illegal organisation although not being a member of it’ and ‘hijacking or seizure of transport vehicles’. The first trial will be held on August 7, 2019. (07/186) Person on Trial in Kayseri for Social Media Posts… The final trial of the case against a person named A.A., on the grounds of ‘insulting Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chair Devlet Bahçeli on social media posts’ is held on Kayseri Penal Court of First Instance No 16 on July 12, 2019. The court sentenced A.A. to a fine of 7080 Turkish Liras and deferred the announcement of the verdict. (07/187) Person on Trial in Diyarbakır… It is learned from the news coverage of July 12, 2019 that the jail sentence of 6 years and 3 months, given by Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 8, to Abdülkadir Anar, a retired imam, on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’, on the grounds that he served “civilian Friday prayer” and serving funeral prayers for PKK militants, is approved by Penal Department No 18 of Antep Regional Court. (07/188) Suruç Massacre Case… The case against 2 police officers (Ali Koçak and Ahmet Oğuz Davarcı), on the charge of ‘misuse and negligence of public duty’, related to the suicide bomber attack on July 20, 2015 in Suruç district of Urfa where 33 people died; is held on Suruç Penal Court of First Instance on July 12, 2019. The court decided to hear 2 police officers as witnesses, to demand surveillance camera recordings of front side and around of Amara Cultural Center covering 08.00-12.01 time interval between July 7 and 20, 2015; to send writs to related institutions for demanding radio communication recordings covering 08.00-12.00 time interval between July 8 and 20, 2015 and adjourned the trial to February 4, 2020. (07/189) People on Trial in Istanbul for Social Media Posts… The final trial of the case against Selen Pınar Işık, known as “Pucca” and rap singer Burak Aydoğduoğlu, known as “Burry Soprano”, on the charge of ‘publicly encouraging usage of narcotics’ is held on Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 52 on July 12, 2019. The court sentenced Selen Pınar Işık to 5 years and 10 months and to a fine of 66.660 Turkish Liras. The court acquitted Burak Aydoğduoğlu. (07/190) Ban of Event in Istanbul… It is learned from the news coverage of July 13, 2019 that, the march of Republican People’s Party (CHP) members to Silivri, for former CHP MP Eren Erdem who is kept in Silivri Prison, is banned by Istanbul Governorate as “inappropriate”. (07/191) Ban of Events in Van… Van Governorate made a declaration on July 12, 2019 and announced that all events such as demonstrations, press declarations, meetings, sit-ins and opening stands and so on are banned as of July 13, 2019 until July 27, 2019. (07/192) Ban of Events in Batman… Batman Governorate made a declaration on July 14, 2019 and announced that all events such as demonstrations, press declarations, meetings, sit-ins and opening stands and so on are banned as of July 15, 2019 until July 29, 2019. (07/193) Special Security Zone in Hakkari… Hakkari Governorate made a declaration on July 14, 2109 and announced 5 areas in central, Çukurca, Yüksekova and Derecik districts as special security zones as of July 16, 2019 until July 30, 2019. (07/194) Special Security Zone in Tunceli…

Tunceli Governorate made a declaration on July 14, 2109 and announced 29 areas in central, Ovacık, Pülümür, Hozat and Nazımiye districts as special security zones until July 1, 2020. 17 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/195) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned that 1 soldier died due to blast of explosive material preplaced by HPG militants in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on July 16, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 16, 2019 that 1 HPG militant died in a bombardment of Turkish Air Force to rural areas of Şırnak’s central district on July 7, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 16, 2019 that 2 MLKP militants and 3 HPG militants died in a clash with security forces in Munzur Valley of Tunceli on July 10, 2019. (07/196) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 16, 2019 that Selçuk Can Avcı, a prisoner in Trabzon Beşikdüzü T Type Prison was subjected to physical violence of the wardens. (07/197) 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 980 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 16, 2019 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 July 16, 2019, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Mehmet Dersulu) and at 18.00 3 people (Mahmut Konuk, Acun Karadağ and U.A. (16, m) who was watching the protest) were detained. Thus in total 5 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 16, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released on the same day. (07/198) People Detained in Ankara… It is learned that detention period for Merve Demirel who was detained by Anti-Terror Department police on the grounds of another investigation against her, at the hospital she was taken for medical check after being detained in the press declaration held at 18.00 on July 12, 2019, and for Bengisu Demirel who was detained through the same investigation, is extended for 4 more days on July 16, 2019. It is reported that Merve Demirel, who is on hunger strike, stopped taking water and sugar upon the extension decision. It is learned that Mehmet Yılmaz who was also detained through the same investigation was referred to the prosecutor’s office. (07/199) Detained Co-Mayor in Erzurum… 10 people including Burhanettin Şahin, co-mayor of Karayazı district of Erzurum elected as People’s Democratic Party (HDP) candidate, and city council members Yüksel Kişin, Erdal Bayram, Mahmut Çimendağ, Mehmet Latif Karakuş who were detained on July 11, 2019, are released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 16, 2019. (07/200) Detained Actor in Izmir… Actor Orhan Aydın is detained in Urla district of Izmir on July 16, 2019, on the grounds of an arrest warrant in default. Orhan Aydın is released after statement procedures on the same day. (07/201) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Hatay… On July 16, 2019 the police intervened the people protesting the governorate’s ban on Grup Yorum concert within Evvel Temmuz celebrations in Samandağ district of Hatay, and detained 12 people. The names of detainees known so far are: Furkan Ersöz, Devrim Deniz Karataş, Ümit Özçelik, Elvan Altunarı, Hülya Uçucu, Gökhan Demir and Kaya Özçelik. (07/202) Detained Person in Sivas for Social Media Posts… On July 16, 2019, a person named B.Y. is detained in Sivas on the grounds of ‘insulting the police in social media posts’. (07/203) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”… The case against 10 academicians (G.D. from Bilgi University, Professor Gencer Özcan, Assoc. Professor Ayşen Candaş, Assist. Professor Elif Aysimi Duman, Professor Şemsa Özar, PhD C.A.K. from Boğaziçi University; Assoc. Professor Tuna Altınel from Lyon 1 University; Professor Melek Göregenli from Ege University; Professor Ozan Erözden from MEF University; Professor Deniz Özdemir from Yaşar University and independent researcher PhD Zeynep Gönen Yüksel)  for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 29 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 16, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to December 26, 2019. The case against retired academic Nur Bekata Mardin from Boğaziçi University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 37 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 16, 2019. The court

adjourned the trial to October 3, 2019. The case against Professor Tahsin Söğüt from Dicle University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 16, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to November 13, 2019. The case against PhD student Bahar Şahin Fırat from Boğaziçi University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 36 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on July 16, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to November 19, 2019. The separate cases against 4 academicians (Professor Nilüfer Göle from EHESS, Assist. Professor Tuba Kıyan from Yıldız Teknik University, Professor Fatma Gök from Boğaziçi University, Ümit Çetin from Westminster University) for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 32 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ are held on July 16, 2019. The court adjourned the trial of the case against Ümit Çetin and Fatma Gök to October 8, 2019; the trial of the case against Tuba Kıyan to October 10, 2019 and the case against Nilüfer Göle to October 22, 2019. (07/204) Human Rights Defenders on Trial… The case on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 35 against 11 human rights defenders is held on July 16, 2018. The indictment demands 15 years of jail sentence for 11 human rights defenders on the charges of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and ‘not being a member of but committing crime on behalf of the illegal organisation’. Lawyer Taner Kılıç, Amnesty International Turkey Chair, who has been arrested for another case on June 2017 was also put in the defendants of this case. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to October 9, 2019. 10 human rights defenders were detained during a meeting in Istanbul Büyükada on July 5, 2017. Human rights defenders for whom detention period was extended to 14 days, were referred to the court on July 12, 2017. The court arrested Amnesty International Turkey Director İdil Eser, Özlem Dalkıran from Citizens Assembly, Günal Kurlun and Veli Acu from Human Rights Agenda Association, Ali Garawi (citizen of Switzerland) and Peter Steudtner (citizen of Germany) and released İlknur Üstün from Women’s Coalition, Nalan Ekrem from Citizens Assembly, Nejat Taştan from Association for Monitoring Equal Rights and Şeyhmus Özbekli from Rights Initiative on juridical control conditions.  On July 21, upon the prosecutor’s office’s objection to the release, a detention warrant was issued for four of the human rights defenders. İlknur Üstün and Nalan Ekrem were arrested on July 23, 2017, and Nejat Taştan and Şeyhmus Özbekli were released on juridical control conditions. On the first trial of the case which was held on October 25, 2017 eight human rights defenders were released on control conditions. Taner Kılıç was released on August 15, 2018, by an interim decision of the court in regular case review. (07/205) Former HDP MP on Trial… The re-trial of the case against former HDP MP Çağlar Demirel on Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 3 is held on July 16, 2019. The court has sentenced Çağlar Demirel to 7 years and 6 months on the charges of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and the verdict has been reversed by Antep Regional Court. Çağlar Demirel did not attend the trial. The court rejected the demand of release and decided to having Çağlar Demirel join the next trial via sound and vision system and adjourned the trial. (07/206) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul… The case against Deniz Yücel, Turkey reporter of German Die Welt newspaper, on the charges of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and ‘inciting hatred and hostility among people’ is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 32 on July 16, 2019. The indictment demands sentence for Deniz Yücel from 4 years to 18 years on the charges of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and ‘inciting hatred and hostility among people’. The court adjourned the trial to October 17, 2019. Deniz Yücel was detained on February 14, 2017 and was arrested by the court on February 27, 2017. The indictment against him was accepted by the court on February 16, 2018 and released Deniz Yücel on scheduling order. (07/207) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul… The final trial of the case against sendika.org news portal editor Ali Ergin Demirhan, on the grounds of ‘insulting the President on social media posts’ is held on July 16, 2019. The court sentenced Ali Ergin Demirhan to 11 months and 20 days and deferred the announcement of the verdict. (07/208) “KCK Lawyers Case”… The case against 46 lawyers of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 19 is held on July 16, 2019. After defence hearings the court decided to issue a warrant for witness İrfan Dündar and adjourned

the trial to November 28, 2019. (07/209) Boğaziçi University Students on Trial… The trial of the case against 30 students of Boğaziçi University, for protesting delivery of delight in the campus to celebrate Turkish Armed Forces’ military operation to Afrin, with a banner saying “There is no delight in occupation and massacre”, is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 32 on July 16, 2019. The court adjourned the trial to October 15, 2019. (07/210) Lawyer on Trial in Istanbul… The trial of the case against lawyer Can Tombul from The Law Office of the Oppressed, is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 35 on July 16, 2019. The indictment demands sentence for Can Tombul on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. After defence hearings the court decided to continue detention of Can Tombul and adjourned the trial to September 12, 2019. Can Tombul was detained in Istanbul on July 31, 2018 and was arrested by the court on August 3, 2018. (07/211) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 16, 2019, 35 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 17 cities through an Ankara based investigation against Air Forces Command personnel. (07/212) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The final trial of the case against colonel Adem Durak on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 25 is held on July 16, 2019. The court sentenced Adem Durak to 10 years for ‘being an illegal organisation member’.    18 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/213) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned from the news coverage of July 17, 2019 that, 5 HPG militants died in an air bombardment of Turkish Air Forces to Qandil area in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on March 21, 2019; and that 3 HPG militants died in an air bombardment to rural areas of Ağrı on July 13, 2019. (07/214) 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 981 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 17, 2019 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 July 16, 2019, 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Mahmut Konuk, Cemal Yıldırım) and at 18.00 2 people (İlker Işık and Acun Karadağ) were detained. Thus in total 5 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 17, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released on the same day. (07/215) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul… The police intervened the press declaration of Revolutionary High-School Students members holding a banner “Does life fit into 3 hours?” in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on July 17, 2019 and detained 5 people. It is reported that 5 people were released on the same day after statement procedures at the police. The names of detained people are unknown. (07/216) Detained City Council Member in Tunceli… 5 people including Mithat Kaya, city council member elected as People’s Democratic Party (HDP) candidate, who were detained in house raids in Pertek, Hozat and Ovacık districts of Tunceli on July 8, 2019, are arrested by the court on July 17, 2019. The names of arrested people are: Mithat Kaya, Hüseyin Oktay Can, Serdar Çelik, Murat Yıldız and Ulaş Öz. (07/217) Özgür Gündem Case… The final trial of the case against Human Rights Foundation of Turkey chair Professor Şebnem Korur Fincancı, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Turkey representative Erol Önderoğlu, and journalist-writer Ahmet Nesin on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 for participating in “Editors in Chief on Watch” campaign to support Özgür Gündem newspaper which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, is held on July 17, 2019. The court acquitted Professor Şebnem Korur Fincancı, Ahmet Nesin and Erol Önderoğlu on the grounds of lack of conditions of offense. (07/218) Journalists on Trial in Istanbul… The case against co-executive editors Eren Keskin and Hüseyin Aykol, and managing editor Reyhan Çapan, journalists Lütfi Yavuzaslan, Methi Kaya, İslam Tüner, Kemal Yakut and Hasan Başak, from Özgür Gündem newspaper which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 is held on July 17, 2019. The prosecutor declared the legal opinion on the case and demanded sentence for journalists on the charges of ‘publicly provocation to commit an offense’, ‘praising an offense and offender’,

and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. The court adjourned the trial to November 21, 2019. (07/219) Former HDP Co-chair on Trial… The case against HDP’s former co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 19 is held on July 16 and 17, 2019. The indictment demands sentence for Selahattin Demirtaş on the charges of ‘establishing and leading an illegal organisation’, ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and ‘praising an offense and offender’. The court decided to continue detention of Selahattin Demirtaş and adjourned the trial to September 2 and 3, 2019. (07/220) Executive of ÖDP on Trial in Artvin… The final trial of the case against Sercan Dede, Artvin provincial chair of Freedom and Solidarity Party (ÖDP), for a speech he made at a funeral, is held on Artvin Heavy Penal Court on July 17, 2019. The court sentenced Sercan Dede to 10 months for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. (07/221) Hrant Dink Case… The trial of the case against 9 people, about murder of Agos newspaper’s executive editor Hrant Dink, is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 on July 17, 2019. The case against 9 people were separated from the main case including public officials on the grounds of “statute of limitation”. The court sentenced Erhan Tuncel to 99 years and 6 months on the charges of ‘attempting to wilful and planned murder by bombing’, ‘damage to property’, ‘aiding to wilful and planned murder of Hrant Dink’, ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court sentenced Yasin Hayal to 7 years and 6 months on the charge of ‘establishing and leading a criminal organisation’; Ogün Samast to 2 years and 6 months on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court sentenced Zeynel Abidin Yavuz to 14 years and 22 days and Tuncay Uzundal to 16 years 10 months and 15 days on the charges of ‘aiding to wilful and planned murder of Hrant Dink’, ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court sentenced Ahmet İskender and Ersin Yolcu to 1 year and 10 months and 15 days each on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court acquitted 2 defendants. The court decided to arrest Erhan Tuncel upon verdict. (07/222) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  20 of 48 people including military members on active duty who were detained on July 9, 2019 through an Istanbul based investigation, are arrested by the court on July 17, 2019. It is learned that 18 people are released on judicial control conditions and 10 people are still under custody. (07/223) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  The final trial of the case against 159 people for the incidents at Atatürk Airport during July 15 coup attempt, is held on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 34 on July 17, 2019. The court sentenced 10 people to heavy life imprisonment on the charge of ‘attempting to abolish the constitutional order’. The court sentenced 43 people to life imprisonment on the charge of ‘violating the Constitution’. The court sentenced 85 people to 12 years and 6 months each on the charge of ‘aiding the attempt to violate the Constitution’. The court sentenced 2 people to life imprisonment for ‘wilful murder’. The court sentenced 19 defendants to jail penalties for several offences. The final trial of the case İsmail Çolak on Düzce Heavy Penal Court No 2 is held on July 17, 2019. The court sentenced the defendant to 5 years on the charge ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The final trial of the case against Fethullah Gülen’s nephews Şamil Gülen and Tavus Bin Keysan Gülen, on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 29 is held on July 17, 2019. The court sentenced 2 defendants to 12 years each on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.    23 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/261) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned from the news coverage of July 22, 2019 that, 5 civilians including children got wounded due to a rocket fired from Serêkaniyê district of Syria hitting a house in Ceylanpınar district of Urfa. The names of wounded people are: İ.I. (17, m), E.A. (9, m), Ali Işık (21), Hatice Atan (31), Yusuf Atan (38). It is reported that Syrian Democratic Forces ruling over Serêkaniyê declared that some people are detained in relation to the incident. (07/262) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under Custody in Diyarbakır… It is learned from the news coverage of July 22, 2019 that Ahmet Yoldaş, who was detained in a house raid on July 21, 2019 in Bağlar district of Diyarbakır where a person named Mücahit Yılmaz died; was subjected to torture and ill-treatment under custody. It is stated in the news reports that Ahmet Yoldaş fainted due to torture and ill-treatment and was taken to Diyarbakır Army Hospital.

It is reported that Birsen Yoldaş, another person detained in the house raid, was still kept in Anti-Terror Department of Diyarbakır Security Directorate. (07/263) IYI Party Executive Attacked in Istanbul… IYI Party’s Güngören district chair Ayhan Kurt was attacked by a group of 6 in front of his shop on July 22, 2019. It is learned that 6 people (names unknown) are detained in relation to the attack. (07/264) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 22, 2019 that prisoners in Buca F Type Prison No 2 were referred to hospitals with delay. It is also reported that prisoners who were taken to hospital were subjected to right violations and were brought back to prison without being treated. (07/265) 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 986 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 22, 2019 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 July 22, 2019, 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ and Nazan Bozkurt) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 22, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released on the same day. (07/266) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara… The police intervened the protestors in front of Çankaya Public Health Directorate on July 22, 2019, 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. (07/267) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul… Nursel Tanrıverdi and Selvi Polat who make a sit-in protest at Bakırköy Square on July 22, 2019, to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees are detained by the police intervening the protest. It is learned that 2 people were released after statement procedures. (07/268) Detained DTK Members in Bingöl… 8 members of Democratic Society Congress (DTK) and Democratic Islam Congress (DIK) are detained in house raids in Bingöl on July 22, 2019. The reason of detention is unknown. The names of detained people are: Mehmet Zeki Ergül, Erdal Evren, Mehmet Özdemir, Ahmet Erdoğmuş, Asiye Ülker Kılıç, Asıf Yanılmaz, Özkan Candan and Hatice Kavran. (07/269) Released Academic for Peace… Professor Füsun Üstel who was put in prison on May 8, 2019, after approval of the 1 year and 3 months’ sentence given to her on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” is released from prison upon her lawyers’ appeal. (07/271) Proceedings Against Parliamentary Member… It is learned from the news coverage of July 22, 2019 that, the proceedings against Republican People’s Party (CHP) chair Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, on the grounds of insulting the President, are submitted to the Constitution and Justice Committee of the Grand National Assembly, demanding lifting of legal impunity.

 

24 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/272) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned that 1 civilian died and 1 civilian got wounded in a bombing attack to 2 civilian cars going to pick up soldiers from military base area in rural areas of Hakkari’s Şemdinli district on July 23, 2019. On July 23, 2019, an armoured police vehicle was attacked by hand grenade in Yenişehir district of Diyarbakır on July 23, 2019. It is learned that there were no casualties. (07/273) Suspicious Death and Other Violations in Harmandalı Repatriation Center… It is learned from the news coverage of July 23, 2019 that an African asylum seeker died in Harmandalı Repatriation Center in Izmir. It is stated in the news reports that death of the asylum seeker was recorded as “natural death” and the reason was not investigated. It is also stated in the news reports that although the capacity was up to 750 people, there are 1500 people kept there and some asylum seekers were being taken to rooms without cameras where they were subjected to physical violence. (07/274) People Were Subjected to Assault of a Racist Group in Samsun… It is learned from the news coverage of July 23, 2019 that a foreign national who was detained and handcuffed by the watchmen while he was having a quarrel with his wife in Ilkadım district of Samsun, was subjected to a

lynch attempt by a racist group on the grounds of “abuse allegation”. It is reported that the foreigner was taken to the police station while there was nobody detained from the group attempting to lynch. (07/275) 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 987 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 23, 2019 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 July 23, 2019, 2 people (Mahmut Konuk and Nazan Bozkurt) 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 July 23, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released on the same day. (07/276) Detained DTK Members in Bingöl… 11 members of Democratic Society Congress (DTK) and Democratic Islam Congress (DIK) who were detained in house raids in Bingöl on July 22, 2019, are released by the court on July 23, 2019 provided that 4 of them on judicial control conditions. The names of detained people are: DTK members Mehmet Zeki Ergül, Erdal Evren, Mehmet Özdemir, Ahmet Erdoğmuş, Asiye Ülker Kılıç, Asıf Yanılmaz, Özkan Candan; DİK members Hatice Kavran, Halime Aksoy, Emine Kaya and Hayriye Sarı. (07/277) Detained Human Rights Defender and Political Party Executive in Kars… On July 23, 2019, 12 people including Human Rights Association Kars Branch chair Güldane Kılıç and HDP provincial executive Nuriye Erkmen, city council member Münevver Subaşı, former HDP executives İdris Ağbaba and Mustafa Özmen are detained in house raids in Kars. (07/278) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 23, 2019, 31 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 24 cities through an Izmir based investigation against Turkish Armed Forces personnel. 16 of 33 people who were detained through an Istanbul based investigation are arrested by the court on July 23, 2019. 17 people are released provided that 10 of them will be under judicial control conditions. (07/279) Banned Event in Van… It is learned from the news coverage of July 23, 2019 that the concert of singer Mem Ararat to be held in Van on July 31, 2019 was banned by Van Governorate. (07/280) Curfew in Bitlis… Bitlis Governorate made a declaration on July 23, 2019 and announced curfew in 15 villages of central district as of July 23, 2019 until a further notice. The names of villages under curfew are: İçgeçit, Çalıdüzü, Yavuzlar, Yukarıölek, Aşağıölek, Ilıcak, Oğulcak, Üçevler, Kalupat, Aşağıbalcılar, Yukarıbalcılar, Başmaklı, Karakuş, Dutköy, Bayramalan.

 

25 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/281) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned that 4 civilians died in an attack to an armoured vehicle in front of Yenişehir Şehitler Police Station in Diyarbakır on July 24, 2019. It is reported that 2 people are detained in relation to the attack. It is learned that 1 worksite keeper got wounded in an attack to a construction site in rural areas of Hakkari’s Yüksekova district on July 24, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 24, 2019 that, 3 HPG militants died in an air operation of Turkish Air Forces in rural areas of Diyarbakır’s Kulp district on July 16, 2019; and 4 militants died in a clash between Turkish Armed Forces and HPG militants in Xakurkê area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on June 2, 2019. (07/282) Prisoner Died in Hospital… Muhsin Kızılkan, a prisoner with cancer in Iskenderun T Type Prison was taken to İskenderun Public Hospital after his condition gets serious on July 5, 2019. It is learned that Muhsin Kızılkan died in hospital on July 24, 2019. Muhsin Kızılkan was released because of illness on judicial control conditions on March, 2017 however he was put in prison 6 months later. (07/283) The Book Not Allowed in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 24, 2019 that the book “Kurds” of Hasan Cemal was not allowed in Silivri Prison No 4 although there was no ban on it. It is reported that People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Kocaeli MP Faruk Gergerlioğlu submitted a parliamentary question about the issue, demanding response from the Minister of Justice.

(07/284) 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 988 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 24, 2019 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 July 24, 2019, 2 people (Mahmut Konuk and Acun Karadağ) and at 18.00 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Gülnaz Bozkurt) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 24, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released on the same day. (07/285) People Detained in Ankara… Merve Demirel who was detained by Anti-Terror Department police on the grounds of another investigation against her, at the hospital she was taken for medical check after being detained in the press declaration held at 18.00 on July 12, 2019, is released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 24, 2019. Bengisu Demirel who was detained through the same investigation, is arrested. (07/286) Police Intervention Against Workers’ Protest in Istanbul… The police intervened the sit in protest after press declaration held by workers of Özsüt, for not being paid overtime and notice payments, in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on July 24, 2019; and detained 21 people. It is reported that the police prevented journalists following the declaration. It is reported that workers were released on the same day. Umut Marangoz, one of the detained workers, stated the following about torture and ill-treatment they were subjected to under custody: “We were beaten and insulted under custody. One of our friends has a fissure at chin, and is under medical treatment in hospital. One of our friend has a wound at temple and I have several wounds on my body. We will make official complaints against Özsüt and the police officers who committed violence against us.” (07/287) People Were Subjected to Police Violence in Ankara… The police intervened into people who wait at Ankara Courthouse for Merve Demirel and Bengisu Demirel to be brought to the court on July 24, 2019 and detained 2 people. Merve Demirel, a participator of “I Want My Job Back” protests and Bengisu Demirel has been detained previously. It is reported that Deniz Aydın, one of 2 detainees has bruises on his body due to violence. (07/288) Detained Co-Mayors and Political Party Executives in Diyarbakır and Mardin… 8 people including Bismil district co-mayor Gülşen Özer, Nusaybin district co-mayor Ferhat Kurt, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Mardin provincial co-chairs Leyla Bozkurt and Şeyhmus Sun are detained through a Mardin based investigation. It is learned that lawyer contacts are banned for 24 hours for detainees. It is reported that HDP and DBP Nusaybin district offices were raided by the police and some documents were seized. The names of detainees are: Gülşen Özer, Ferhat Kut, Leyla Bozkurt, Şeyhmus Sun, Nusaybin city council member Emin Alkan, HDP Nusaybin district co-chair Nezir Saraç, HDP executive Salih Falay and HDP member Hamdi Ermiş. (07/289) Detained City Council Members in Diyarbakır… Nursel Örmek, who was elected as city council member on behalf of HDP in Bağlar district of Diyarbakır, is detained in house raid on July 24, 2019. The reason of detention is unknown. (07/290) Former Trade Union Chair on Trial in Konya… The final trial of the case against Veli Demir, former chair of Eğitim-İş (Education and Science Workers’ Union), for expressions in a declaration he made in 2016, is held on Konya Penal Court of First Instance on July 24, 2019. The court sentenced Veli Demir to 6 months for ‘insulting Turkish government’ and deferred the announcement of the verdict. (07/291) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 24, 2019, 40 people are detained in operations covering 6 cities through an Artvin based investigation.

 

26 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/292) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned from the news coverage of July 25, 2019 that, 2 HPG militants died in an air operation of Turkish Air Forces in rural areas of Lice district of Diyarbakır on July 19, 2019. (07/293) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under Custody in Mersin… It is learned from the news coverage of July 25, 2019 that, a person named Asım Can Topkarcı was subjected to physical violence of the police and gendarmerie who followed and then detained him on the grounds of

‘disobeying the stop warning’. It is reported that Asım Can Topkarcı was subjected to torture and ill-treatment at the police station where he was taken. It could be seen that Asım Can Topkarcı has bruises on his face, in the photographs covered by the press which depicts Asım Can Topkarcı waiting in the courthouse. Asım Can Topkarcı stated the following: “I did not know that the civilian people in motorcycles following me were police. I got threats from time to time due to my profession. When I get off my car I was beaten by punches and kicks. I will press charges against the officials who beat me in case they could be identified.” Asım Can Topkarcı is arrested by the court on the charge of ‘resisting against a public officer in order to prevent him from performing his duty’ and ‘injury’. (07/294) 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 989 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 25, 2019 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 July 25, 2019, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Mehmet Dersulu) and at 18.00 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Acun Karadağ) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 25, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released on the same day. (07/295) Detained HDP Members in Izmir… On July 25, 2019, 12 members of People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Youth Assembly are detained on the grounds of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’, in house raids in Menemen and Buca districts of Izmir. The names of detainees known so far are: Yusuf Çil, Güney Demir, Diyar Demir, Ceren Çepik, H.K. (16), Yiğit Özdemir, Gülader Özçelik, Welat Yalçınkaya and Fatma Akgül. (07/296) Arrested Lawyer for ‘Insulting the President’ in Manisa… Lawyer Mehmet Demirlek, who was detained on July 25, 2019 in Turgutlu district of Manisa, upon complaint of Justice and Development Party (AKP) Turgutlu district chair on the claim of ‘insulting the President on social media posts’, is released by the court on judicial control conditions on the same day. After the appeal made by the prosecutor’s office to the higher court, Mehmet Demirlek is detained again and arrested by the court. (07/297) Newspaper Employees and Political Party Members on Trial in Mersin… The case against 16 people 7 of which are arrested, including Yeni Yaşam newspaper employees Murat Sekmen and Tuba Salman and HDP Youth Assembly members, on the grounds of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and ‘being an illegal organisation member’, is held on Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 7 on July 25, 2019. After defence hearings the court released 7 arrestees (Abdurrahim Demir, Senem Güven, Hizbullah Ekinci, Rojda Salman, Vedat Turgut, Diyar Turgut and Mehmet Koç) on judicial control conditions and adjourned the trial. (07/298) June 5 – Diyarbakır Case… The case on the bombing attack to HDP’s rally in Diyarbakır on June 5, 2015, is held on Sincan West Courthouse Heavy Penal Court No 2 on July 25, 2019. Defendant Orhan Gönder attended the trial and other defendants joined the trial via sound and vision system from the prisons they are kept. The court decided to continue detention of arrested defendants and adjourned the trial to September 20, 2019.

 

27 – 29 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/299) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned that 1 soldier died and 1 soldier got wounded in a clash in rural areas of Çukurca district of Hakkari. On July 27, 2019, 1 police officer who got wounded in an attack to a police car in Sincik district of Adıyaman on July 26, 2019, died in hospital. It is learned from the news coverage of July 27, 2019 that, 4 HPG militants died in a clash in rural areas of Bingöl’s central district on July 22, 2019; 3 HPG militants died in a clash in rural areas of Siirt’s Baykan district on May 1, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 28, 2019 that 2 HPG militants died in a clash in rural areas of Hakkari’s Çukurca district on July 26, 2019. (07/300) Torture and Ill-Treatment Allegation in Urfa… It is claimed on the news coverage of July 26, 2019 that, a specialised sergeant coming back to his military unit in Urfa from his duty in operations in Syria, was forced by his commanders to run with 3 sandbags on his back in 45-degree weather. It is reported that the specialised sergeant whose name is unknown fainted during run and was taken to hospital in an unconscious condition. (07/301) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Diyarbakır…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 28, 2019 that, 2 children (M. A. (17) and A. E. (17)) who were detained in relation to the attack to an armoured police vehicle in Yenişehir district of Diyarbakır on July 24, 2019 were subjected to torture and ill-treatment in the field they were taken to. It is reported that M. A. and A. E. were then taken to Anti-Terror Department instead of Juvenile Department, and were subjected to torture and ill-treatment there too. Fatma A., M. A.’s mother, stated the following: “When I heard of detention I went directly to Juvenile Department, There they told me that they don’t have a person with this name. When I got out of Juvenile Department I saw my son’s friend in a police car. He was looking terrible. He could not walk; he could not stand. He had some bruises on his face (…) Then it is understood that my son was at Anti-Terror Department. I asked them why my son was in Anti-Terror Department although he is a juvenile. I went to Anti-Terror Department and they told me that they do not have my son either. They sent us from department to department to distract. They were torturing our child at that time. At around 01.00, when the lawyers arrived, the police took the children to Juvenile Department (…) There was blood on his face. They did not let me to approach my son. I saw my son; he was dragging himself on foot. Lawyer saw my son the next day and told me that my son was in such a condition that he could not express himself (…) My son told that they were detained in Şehitlik neighbourhood and were taken to a waste field where they were undressed. He told that they were beaten with gunstocks and an iron material that he does not know what it was. He told that they were cursed and threatened with expressions such as ‘This is your last chance, we will kill you’ (…) My son was first taken to public hospital and then to army hospital but they did not give him a report evidencing the torture.” (07/302) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under in Diyarbakır… It is learned from the news coverage of July 29, 2019 that Ahmet Yoldaş, who was subjected to torture and illtreatment under custody after being detained in a house raid on July 21, 2019 in Bağlar district of Diyarbakır where a person named Mücahit Yılmaz died; had a leg surgery in Diyarbakır Army Hospital. It is also claimed in the news reports that Ahmet Yoldaş has bandages on his right ear and has marks of torture and ill-treatment on his body. It is learned that Birsen Yoldaş, Ahmet Yoldaş’s wife who was also detained in the house raid, is released after statement procedures on July 26, 2019. (07/303) People Were Subjected to Physical Violence of the Police in Antalya… It is learned from the news coverage of July 27, 2019 that street musicians in Konyaaltı district of Antalya were intervened by the watchmen on the grounds of lack of official permission. It is reported that one musician’s arm was dislocated due to intervention. It is learned that musicians were released after statement procedures at the police station. (07/304) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 28, 2019 that, Hakan İnci, a prisoner in Adana Kürkçüler E Type Prison, was subjected to physical violence of the wardens because of rejecting to stand in military order during roll-calls. Hakan İnci’s letter was covered by media in which he states the following: “They forced us to stand in during the morning roll-call. I did not accept to do so and I was then taken out by around 10 wardens kicking and punching me. The chief warden and 4 or 5 wardens put me in a solitary cell which is insanitary and had no bathroom (…) Another chief warden came with 6 or 7 wardens towards evening and took me to the alert force room right next to my cell. There was a short man who was said to be prison director. This person started shouting at me and provoking me by poking at arm and chest. They made me lay down and handcuffed my hands and feet behind my back. They whipped my feet with clubs which continued until I fell unconscious. They made me regain my consciousness by pouring water and cologne over my head. They put 2 packages of salt (1 or 2 kilos) on the ground and watered the salt on which I was lifted and pushed over and over by the wardens. Salt was put in order to increase the pain and to diminish the marks of torture. I had spasms beginning from my toes spreading all over my body, and my jaw got locked. I was conscious but I could not move, not even open my eyes just like being paralysed. They wanted me to walk to my cell (…) I fell unconscious after a while. When I opened my eyes I was on a stool leaning my back to the wall in the outdoor area. I noticed that the wardens who tortured me were talking. When I became completely conscious they took my arms and walked me on my tiptoes to the cell.” It is learned from the news coverage of July 28, 2019 that 6 prisoners (Ahmet Nas, Ercan Daşkesen, Veysi Altan, Şifa Erdoğan, Rıdvan Kaya and Suat Okur) kept in Tarsus T Type Prison No 3 were transferred to newly opened Maraş Türkoğlu T Type Prison No 1 under coercion. It is reported that the prisoners were subjected to physical and psychological violence at the entrance of the prison because of rejecting strip search. A prisoner, who expressed himself via his family members, stated the following: “We were forced to strip search at the entrance and we did not accept it. They used force and tortured us to search as. And then they put us in a place looking like construction site. And they are forcing us to be in military order during roll-calls.” (07/305) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…

It is learned from the news coverage of July 27, 2019 that, ill prisoner Ergin Aktaş was spitting blood and was diagnosed with pneumonia in Izmir Menemen R Type Prison where he was kept. Ergin Aktaş was then transferred to Silivri Prison No 9 and was diagnosed with tuberculosis there and started taking medication. Gülizar Tuncer, Ergin Aktaş’s lawyer made a statement and said that Ergin Aktaş was not referred to hospital although he needs to be treated in hospital. (07/306) Letter Was Not Given to Prisoner… It is learned from the news coverage of July 27, 2019 that the letter of People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Hakkari MP and Democratic Society Congress (DTK) co-chair Leyla Güven sent to Zafer Sağlam, a prisoner in Silivri Prison No 5, was not given to him on the grounds of “having inconvenient content”. (07/307) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan… It is learned that the appeal made on July 26, 2019 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. (07/308) 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 992 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 26, 27, and 28, 2019 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 July 26, 2019, 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) and at 18.00 2 people (Acun Karadağ 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 27, 2019, 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Nazan Bozkurt) 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 July 28, 2019, 2 people (İlker Işık and Mehmet Dersulu) and at 18.00 2 people (İlker Işık and Mehmet Dersulu) were detained. Thus in total 12 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 26, 27, and 28, 2019. It is learned detained people were released on the same days they were detained. (07/309) 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 748th time on July 27, 2019. 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. (07/310) Prevention of Human Rights Defenders’ Event in Istanbul…  “F sit-in”, which is organized for the 382nd time by Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Branch Prison Watch Committee, to demand release of ill prisoners, on July 27, 2019, 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. (07/311) Detained HDP Members for Delivering Leaflets in Antep… The police intervened HDP Youth Assembly members who deliver leaflets for “Do not be addicted, be free” campaign in Antep on July 27, 2019 and detained 15 people. Detained people whose names are unknown are taken to Antep Security Directorate Anti-Terror Department. (07/312) Detained Human Rights Defender and Political Party Executive in Kars… Adem Yıldırım, 1 of 12 people including Human Rights Association Kars Branch chair Güldane Kılıç and HDP provincial executive Nuriye Erkmen, city council member Münevver Subaşı, former HDP executives İdris Ağbaba and Mustafa Özmen who were detained in house raids in Kars on July 23, 2019, is arrested by the court on July 26, 2019. 5 people Tuğba Yağışlı, Seyfettin Gönel, Mustafa Özmen, Ünal Çalışkan, Mehmet Sena Oral) are released. It is reported that detention period for HRA branch chair Güldane Kılıç, HDP provincial executive Nuriye Erkmen, city council member Münevver Subaşı, former HDP executive İdris Ağbaba and 1 more person is extended for 4 more days. (07/313) Detained HDP Members in Izmir… 12 members of People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Youth Assembly who were detained on the grounds of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’, in house raids in Menemen and Buca districts of Izmir on July 25, 2019, are released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 26, 2019. The names of detainees known so far are: Yusuf Çil, Güney Demir, Diyar Demir, Ceren Çepik, H.K. (16), Yiğit Özdemir, Gülader Özçelik, Welat Yalçınkaya and Fatma Akgül.

(07/314) Constitutional Court’s Decision on Academics for Peace… On July 26, 2019, Constitutional Court concluded on the appeal of 10 academicians who were sentenced to jail penalties on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”. The court decided that freedom of expression of the academicians was violated and thus they should be paid a compensation of 9.000 Turkish Liras. The court also decided to send the verdict to local courts for re-trials. (07/315) Constitutional Court’s Decision on Union Member… On July 26, 2019, Constitutional Court concluded on the appeal of Eğitim-Sen (Education and Science Workers’ Union) member Erdal Karadaş who was sentenced to a fine for delivering leaflets and opening campaign stands for dismissals in Aydın. The court decided that Erdal Karadaş’s right to assembly and demonstration was violated. (07/316) Constitutional Court’s Decision on Journalist… On July 26, 2019, Constitutional Court concluded on the appeal of journalist Kemal Baytaş who was sentenced to a fine of 7000 Turkish Liras for an article he wrote on Turkish Armed Forces chief of staff. The court decided that Kemal Baytaş’s freedom of expression and press was violated. The court also decided that Kemal Baytaş should be paid a compensation of 9.150 Turkish Liras and sent the verdict to Küçükçekmece Penal Court of First Instance No 2. (07/317) Former HDP Co-Chair on Trial… The case against former HDP co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 16 is held on July 26, 2019. Figen Yüksekdağ joined the trial via sound and vision system. The court decided to continue detention for Figen Yüksekdağ and adjourned the trial to September 27, 2019. (07/318) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 26, 2019 47 people are detained in operations covering 30 cities through an Istanbul based investigation. 1 of 3 people (2 former soldiers and 1 former police chief) who were detained in an attempt to illegally cross to Greece, is arrested by the court on July 28, 2019. It is learned that 2 people are still under custody. (07/319) Ban of Events in Van… Van Governorate made a declaration on July 27, 2019 and announced that all events such as demonstrations, press declarations, meetings, sit-ins and opening stands and so on are banned as of July 28, 2019 until August 11, 2019. (07/320) Banned Events in Tunceli… It is learned from the news coverage of July 26, 2019 that, Tunceli Governorate banned the screening of documentary about Saturday Mothers and “LGBTI+ Concepts Workshop” which were to be held at Munzur Culture and Nature Festival. It is also reported that the governorate banned all events related to Saturday Mothers and LGBTI+. (07/321) Ban of Event in Mardin… It is learned from the news coverage of July 26, 2019 that the concert of Azad Bedran and Zinar Sozdar on July 28, 2019 in Nusaybin district of Mardin is banned by Nusaybin Sub-governorate. It is reported that the reason of ban was cases opened against 2 musicians. (07/322) Curfew in Tatvan… Bitlis Governorate made a declaration on July 27, 2019 and announced curfew in 16 villages of Tatvan from 10.00 to 23.00 on July 27, 2019. The villages under curfew are: Teknecik, Sallıca, Boblesür, Beşikli, Dönertaş, Kepenek, Aktoprak, Özekli, Kısıklı, Suboyu, Yumrukaya, Uçankuş, Çörekli, Sarıdal, Güntepe, Beşparmak.

 

30 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/323) Operations and Attacks in Southeast… It is learned from the news coverage of July 30, 2019 that 2 HPG militants died in the operation of Turkish Armed Forces in rural areas of Yüksekova district of Hakkari on July 25, 2019. (07/324) Forced Disappearances in Ankara… It is learned from the news coverage of July 29, 2019 that, Yasin Ugan, Özgür Kaya, Salim Zeybek and Erkan Irmak, all public employees dismissed by state of emergency decrees, who were abducted in February 2019, were kept in Ankara Police Directorate Anti-Terror Department. It is learned that Ankara Security Directorate has reported to their families that, these 4 people with their back-packs were found around near the police headquarters previous evening and were detained after routine general information controls. Yasin Ugan and Özgür Kaya were abducted on February 13, 2019, Erkan Irmak was abducted on February 16,

2019, and Salim Zeybek was abducted on February 25, 2019 by unknown people with black vehicles known as “Transporter” in Ankara. (07/325) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 29, 2019 that Kerem İmrak, a prisoner in Kırıkkale F Type High Security Prison, was subjected to physical violence of the wardens because of rejecting strip search at the entrance of Elazığ Closed Prison No 1 where he was taken during being transferred back from his trial at Muş Heavy Penal Court No 2 on May 28, 2019. It is learned from the news coverage of July 29, 2019 that Roni Yavuz, a prisoner in Izmir Şakran T Type Prison No 4 was being kept in solitary cell since July 1, 2019, on the grounds that he took stuff from another prisoner in the outdoor area. (07/326) Torture and Il-Treatment Under Custody in Istanbul… It is learned from the news coverage of July 29, 2019 that, 3 members (G.T. and B.H. under the age of 18 and Mustafa Mert Karatağ) of Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) and Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF) who were detained for delivering Atılım newspaper in Sultangazi district of Istanbul on July 28, 2019, were subjected to torture and ill-treatment at Gazi Police Station. Lawyer Sezin Uçar, stated that 3 people have bruises and swellings on their bodies, G. T. was subjected to physical violence because of rejecting strip search and Mustafa Mert Karatağ was handcuffed to heater core at the station. 3 people are released by the court on judicial control conditions on July 29, 2019. (07/327) Right Violations at Repatriation Centers… It is learned from the news coverage of July 29, 2019 that, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Izmir MP Serpil Kemalbay submitted a parliamentary question about right violations at repatriation centers, demanding a response from Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu. It is stated in the parliamentary question that, people kept in repatriation centers cannot exercises their fundamental rights, and the repatriation centers are functioning as prisons where people are kept under administrative surveillance for indefinite periods, arbitrary practices are observed, children cannot use playgrounds at these centers as well as being prevented from educational rights, allegations of rape and abuse are not investigated and people kept there are treated as ‘criminals’. (07/328) People Died Due to Being Hit by Armoured Vehicles… It is learned from the news coverage of July 29, 2019 that, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Muş MP Şevin Coşkun submitted a parliamentary question about casualties due to being hit by armoured vehicles, demanding a response from Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu. It is stated in the parliamentary question that, according to Human Rights Association’s “Violation of Right to Live Due to Being Hit by Armoured Vehicles in East and Southeast Regions Report”, between the years of 2008 and 2018, 63 armoured vehicle hits occurred in which 36 people including 16 children and 6 children died and 85 people got wounded. (07/329) 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 993 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 29, 2019 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 July 29, 2019, 2 people (Umutcan Aybak and Cemal Öksüz) and at 18.00 2 people (Umutcan Aybak and Cemal Öksüz) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 29, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released on the same day. (07/330) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Istanbul… Nursel Tanrıverdi who make a sit-in protest at Bakırköy Square on July 29, 2019, to regain their jobs from which they had been dismissed by state of emergency decrees is detained by the police intervening the protest. It is learned that Nursel Tanrıverdi was released after statement procedures. (07/331) Gendarmerie Prevention to a Protest in Batman… The gendarmerie prevented the watch which was to be held by People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Youth Assembly to stop construction of Ilısu Dam which will submerge ancient town of Hasankeyf. It is reported that the vehicles of HDP members were searched and people in those vehicles were subjected to general information control at the entrance of Hasankeyf district. (07/332) “I Want My Job Back” Case… The first trial of the case against 15 people including 2 arrestees (Sibel Balaç, Ertuğrul Çağan, Acun Karadağ, Nazan Bozkurt, Gülnaz Bozkurt, Mehmet Dersulu, Alev Şahin, Mahmut Konuk, İlker Işık, Özge Çırpan, Deniz Aydın, Simge Aksan, Murat Çeşme, Burak Aydemir, Selvi Polat), through an investigation against participators of “I Want My Job Back” protests in Yüksel Street, is held on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 28 on July 29, 2019. The court decided to continue detention of Sibel Balaç and Ertuğrul Çağan, to lift judicial control conditions for

others and adjourned the trial to October 24, 2019. 15 people were detained in house raids in Ankara on December 10, 2018 and 2 of them were arrested on December 17, 2018 while 13 of them were released on judicial control conditions. (07/333) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 29, 2019, 15 people including 14 military members on active duty are detained in operations covering 10 cities through a Samsun based investigation. It is learned that 16 of 41 people for whom a detention warrant was issued through an Ankara based investigation are detained on July 29, 2019.   31 July 2019 Daily Human Rights Report

 

(07/334) Allegation of Torture Under Custody in Kayseri… It is learned from the news coverage of July 30, 2019 that, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Kocaeli MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu submitted a parliamentary question about M. A. Ç., who was subjected to torture and illtreatment under custody at Kayseri Police Directorate, demanding a response from Vice President Fuat Oktay. It is stated in the parliamentary question that M. A. Ç. was kept under custody for 4 days at Kayseri Police Directorate Department of Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime and was forced to accept the charges against him, to accept effective remorse law and was subjected to physical violence. (07/335) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 30, 2019 that, Hacı Ali Baştürk, a prisoner in Izmir Şakran T Type Prison No 3, was subjected to physical violence of the wardens because of rejecting strip search at the entrance of the prison while he was brought back from the hospital where he had angiography on July 26, 2019. On July 30, 2019, Human Rights Association Ankara Branch Prisons Committee declared its report on “Human Rights Violations in Prisons in Central Anatolia”, covering April, May and June, 2019. It is learned from the report that, in Amasya E Type Closed Prison, prisoners have not been given the vitamins they needed during the hunger strike, prisoners were not given personal care material; in Bolu F Type Prison, prisoners were either referred to hospitals with delays or were not referred at all, prisoners were forced to be medically examined in handcuffs, and Yeni Yaşam newspaper was not given to prisoners; in Çorum L Type Prison prisoners’ personal belongings were seized, prisoners were forced to stand up during roll-calls and those who reject were subjected to physical violence and solitary cell confinement; in Dinar F Type Closed Prison prisoners were subjected to physical violence and arbitrary disciplinary proceedings; in Kırıkkale F Type Prison prisoners were not given books and magazines sent to them, prisoners were either referred to hospitals with delays or were not referred at all, prisoners were forced to be medically examined in handcuffs. (07/336) Hunger Strike in Prison… It is learned from the news coverage of July 30, 2019 that Esra Arıkan, a prisoner in Bakırköy Women’s Closed Prison went on a hunger strike as of July 29, 2019, to protest not being referred to hospital and being forced to be transferred to another prison. (07/337) “Human Rights Violations in East and Southeast Regions in First 6 Months of 2019”… Human Rights Association Diyarbakır Branch declared its report on “Human Rights Violations in East and Southeast Regions in First 6 Months of 2019” on July 30, 2019. It is stated in the report that 1 child killed him/herself, and 2 children attempted suicide; 2 children are murdered in “domestic violence”, 16 children got wounded, 18 children were subjected to sexual abuse and 1 child was kidnapped. It is also stated in the report that in the first 6 months of 2019, at least 65 people under custody, 30 people in places other than custody, and 64 people in prisons were subjected to torture and ill-treatment. According to the report, as a result of interventions against protests and demonstrations, 122 people got wounded, 567 people including 41 children were detained, and 222 people including 2 children were arrested. It is also stated in the report that 40 prisoners were transferred to other prisons under coercion, 51 prisoners were prevented from their rights of health and 30 prisoners were subjected to isolation. (07/338) 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 994 days to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on July 30, 2019 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 July 30, 2019, 2 people (Mahmut Konuk and Mehmet Dersulu) and at 18.00 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Cemal Öksüz) were detained. Thus in total 4 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on July 30, 2019. It is learned that detainees were released on the same day.

(07/339) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Batman… The police intervened into the march which was to be held by People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Youth Assembly to protest construction of Ilısu Dam which will submerge ancient town of Hasankeyf on July 30, 2019 and detained 10 people by using violence. Detainees are released after statement procedures on the same day. (07/340) Detained People in Diyarbakır… 4 of 5 people including 3 children [A. E. (17), M. A. (17) and his brother M. A. (16) and D. O.] who were detained in relation to the attack to an armoured police vehicle in Yenişehir district of Diyarbakır on July 24, 2019, are arrested by the court on July 30, 2019. 1 person (S. U.) is released on judicial control conditions. 2 children [M. A. (17) and A. E. (17)] were subjected to torture and ill-treatment in the field they were taken to after being detained. It was also reported that M. A. and A. E. were then taken to Anti-Terror Department instead of Juvenile Department, and were subjected to torture and ill-treatment there too. (07/341) Detained Co-Mayors and Political Party Executives in Diyarbakır and Mardin… 4 of 7 people (Bismil district co-mayor Gülşen Özer, Nusaybin district co-mayor Ferhat Kurt, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Mardin provincial co-chairs Leyla Bozkurt and Şeyhmus Sun, Nusaybin city council member  Mehmet Emin Alkan, HDP Party Assembly member Alaattin Semir Zuğurli and Sedat Ay) who were detained in house raids in Nusaybin and Kızıltepe districts of Mardin and Bağlar district of Diyarbakır through a Mardin based investigation on July 24, 2019, are arrested by the court on July 30, 2019. 3 people are released on judicial control conditions. The names of arrested people are: Leyla Bozkurt, Şeyhmus Sun, Sedat Ay, Alaattin Semir Zuğurli. (07/342) Detained Human Rights Defender and Political Party Executive in Kars… 2 of 12 people (Human Rights Association Kars Branch chair Güldane Kılıç and HDP provincial executive Nuriye Erkmen) who were detained in house raids in Kars on July 23, 2019, are arrested by the court on July 30, 2019. Adem Yıldırım who was also detained through the same investigation was arrested on July 26, 2019. 5 people are released on July 26, 2019, and 4 people are released on July 30, 2019. (07/343) Arrested Writer in Bitlis… It is learned that writer Gulgeş Deryaspî who was detained in Bitlis on July 25, 2019, is arrested by the court on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ on July 30, 2019. (07/344) Detained People in Elazığ… It is learned that 8 people including HDP Elazığ provincial co-chair Baki Yıldırım, HDP’s mayor candidate for March 31 elections Mehmet Kılıçtepe, former DBP co-chair Nafiz Koç and Labour Party executive Ali Cemal Zülfikar are detained in house raids in Elazığ. (07/345) Detained Journalist in Bolu… It is learned that Ali Avcu, executive editor of Yurt newspaper, who was detained by gendarmerie in Bolu on July 30, 2019, on the grounds of a statement he has to give, is released on the same day. (07/346) Prosecution Against Journalist… It is learned from the news coverage of July 30, 2019 that, a prosecution was initiated against journalist Rıfat Doğan, for taking photographs at the trial of the case on train crash which happened in Çorlu district of Tekirdağ on July 8, 2018. The prosecution case of Çorlu Public Prosecutor’s Office state the following: “In case you pay the fine of 900 Turkish Liras in related to the charges against you, in 10 days as of date of notification and submit the payment receipt to the prosecutor’s office, a case will not be opened against you. However, in case you do not do the payment a case will be opened.” (07/347) The Case Against Tuna Altınel, Academic for Peace… The first trial of the case against Assoc. Professor Tuna Altınel from Lyon 1 University, a signatory of the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!”, on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’, for he was interpreter of a conference in February 2019, is held at Balıkesir Heavy Penal Court No 2 on July 30, 2019. The court decided to release Tuna Altınel and adjourned the trial to November 19, 2019. Tuna Altınel’s passport was seized on April 12, 2019 when he arrived to Turkey lastly; he was detained in Balıkesir on May 10, 2019 and was arrested on May 11, 2019. (07/348) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…  On July 30, 2019, 20 people are detained in operations covering 7 cities through an Adana based investigation. (07/349) Ban on Access to a Web Site… Web site of Mezopotamya News Agency (www.mezopotamyaajansi21.com) is banned to access by Ankara Penal Court of Peace No 1 on July 29, 2019.

 

 

[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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