MESOPOTAMIA NEWS : COMPLETE HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT TURKEY / BY TIHV

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Contents – Articles
04 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 1
07 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 3
08 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 6
09 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 8
14 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 11
15 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 14
16 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 16
18 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 18
19-21 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 21
22 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 24
23 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 26
24 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 29
25 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 31

References
Article Sources and Contributors 34
04 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 1
04 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/013) Military Operation to Afrin…
On May 3, 2018, 1 soldier died and 1 soldier got injured as a result of an explosion during mine sweeping as a part
of Afrin operation of Turkish Armed Forces.

(05/014) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of May 3, 2018 that a prisoner named Nurullah Doğan in Elazığ F Type Prison No
1, was subjected to physical violence of wardens in a room without camera, because he greeted a friend on the
corridor while he was going to deliver a package for himself and then he was put into a single cell. It is reported that
Nurullah Doğan demanded to visit the doctor but his demand was rejected.
(05/015) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…

It is learned that the appeal made on May 3, 2018 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader
Abdullah Öcalan’s lawyers in order to visit their client was rejected the same day on the grounds of limitations for
prisoners in accordance with the law on the execution of sentences and security measures (law no 5275). With the
last rejection, it was the 752nd time that appeals for visiting Öcalan have been rejected so far. Abdullah Öcalan has
met his lawyers on July 27, 2011 for the last time.

(05/016) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 3, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 3, 2018, 4 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Simge Aksan, Mehmet Dersulu and İlker Işık) and at 18.00 6 people (Acun
Karadağ, Simge Aksan, Nazan Bozkurt, Derviş Lermi, İlker Işık and Armağan Özbaş) were detained.
Thus in total 10 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 3, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
In addition, Ankara Medical Chamber, Human Rights Association, Human Rights Foundation of Turkey and Trade
Union of Public Employees in Health and Social Services (SES) made a press declaration in Ankara Medical
Chamber Headquarters on May 3, 2018.

(05/017) Detained Journalist in Mersin…
İsmail Çoban, former editor in chief of Azadiya Welat, who was detained in Mersin through a Diyarbakır based
investigation on April 23, 2018, is arrested by the court on May 3, 2018.
(05/018) Socialist Youth Associations’ Federation Co-Chair is Arrested…
Socialist Youth Associations’ Federation (SGDF) Co-chair Ceren Çoban, who was detained on May 2, 2018 in
Ankara is arrested by the court on May 3, 2018.

It is learned from news coverage of May 3, 2018 that Ceren Çoban and SGDF central executive board member
Deniz Bahçeci were forced to get in a vehicle by undercover police while their faces were being covered and
handcuffed behind their backs. It is reported that Ceren Çoban and Deniz Bahçeci were subjected to verbal and
physical violence in the vehicle. After a half an hour in the vehicle, Ceren Çoban was taken to Ankara Police
Headquarters Anti-Terror Department, and Deniz Bahçeci was taken off the vehicle with handcuffs. Deniz Bahçeci
was kidnapped in Ankara on October 9, 2017 by people who call themselves Public Security Team (KGT).
(005/019) Detained HDP Members and Executives…
10 of 41 people (including Cengiz Çiçek, district co-chair of HDP) who were detained in a police raid to HDP
Güngören district office in Istanbul during a public meeting on April 28, 2018, are detained by the court for ‘making
04 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 2
propaganda for an illegal organisation’ on May 3, 2018. The names of arrestees are: Cengiz Çiçek, Gönül Karaman,
Keziban Bulak, Gülsimet Önal, Kazım Köse, Yusuf Kesik, Ömer Özkan, Mehmet Emin Kılıçarslan, Halit İpekyüz
and Yüksel Seyithan. 31 people were released the same day they were detained.
(005/020) Detained Executives and Members of Socialist Party of the Oppressed…
6 of 8 people who were detained in house raids through an investigation on Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) in
Istanbul on April 27, 2018, are arrested by the court on May 3, 2018. 2 people are released on juridical control
conditions. The names of arrestees are: ESP council board member Ümmühan Özdemir, Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural
Association Zeytinburnu executive Hasan Kılık and Ersin Sedefoğlu, Mustafa Kubilay Sever, Engin Sinağ, Gönül
Gören. The names of people released on juridical control conditions are: Kerem Bükre and HDP Bağcılar district
executive Erkan Çevikcan.

(05/021) Detentions and Arrests…
It is learned that in house raids in İdil district of Şırnak on May 3, 2018, a person named Adil Geçgel is detained. It is
learned that Adil Geçgel was taken to İdil Police Headquarters, however the reason for detention is unknown.
(05/022) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this
crime!”…
The final trial of the cases against 2 academicians (Mahmut Çınar and Gizem Sayın) 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’ started to be held on May 3, 2018. After defence hearings the court adjourned both trials to October 9,
2018.
(05/023) Actress on Trial for ‘Insulting the President’…
The case against actress Selin Şekerci, for ‘insulting the President’ in her social media posts in 2013, on Istanbul
Penal Court of First Instance No 44, is held on May 3, 2018. The indictment demands jail penalty up to 4 years and 4
months for Selin Şekerci. After defence hearings the court decided to start case examination for decision and
adjourned the trial.
(005/024) Cases on Reactions to Afrin Operation…
The case against HDP Antep co-chair Atiye Okay for her social media posts about Afrin operation of Turkish Armed
Forces, on Antep Heavy Penal Court No 8, started on May 3, 2018. After defence hearings the court decided on
continuation of detention for Atiye Okay and adjourned the trial to May 11, 2018.
(05/025) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 3, 2018, 14 military members in operations covering 14 cities through a Konya based investigation, 12
people in Hatay, 12 people in operations covering 5 cities through an Elazığ based investigation are detained.
Mustafa Sarıgedik and Yasemin Sarıgedik, 2 former judges, dismissed by the state of emergency decree, who were
detained for attempting to flee to Greece illegally in Bodrum district of Muğla, are arrested by the court on May 3,
2018.
5 of 8 people who were detained through an Izmir based investigation on April 27, 2018, are arrested by the court on
May 3, 2018. 3 people are released on juridical control conditions.
(04/026) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against former Major General Mehmet Cahit Bakır, also former commander of Turkish
Force in Afghanistan, on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 21 is held on May 3, 2018. The court sentenced Mehmet
Cahit Bakır to 12 years for ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
The final trial of the case against former prosecutor İlyas Çolaklar (dismissed by the state of emergency decree) on
Gaziantep Heavy Penal Court No 8 is held on May 3, 2018. The court sentenced İlyas Çolaklar to 7 years and 6
months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
04 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 3
The final trial of the case against Mevlut Özbahçe on Şanlıurfa Heavy Penal Court No 5 is held on May 3, 2018. The
court sentenced İlyas Çolaklar to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
The final trial of the case against 44 former police officers dismissed by the state of emergency decree (including 3rd
and 4th degree chiefs) on Denizli Heavy Penal Court No 3 is held on May 3, 2018. The court sentenced 32
defendants for ‘being an illegal organisation member’ to jail penalties differing from 2 years and 6 months to 8 years
and 9 months. The court acquitted 9 defendants and separated the cases of 3 defendants.
(05/027) Elections on June 24, 2018….
On May 3, 2018, a group alleged to be AKP members attacked the petition stand in Kızılay, Ankara, for Temel
Karamollaoğlu, the President candidate of Saadet Party. It is reported that nobody was injured, and the stand was
damaged. It is learned that Saadet Party members made an official complaint about the attackers who were detained.
(05/028) Event Prevented in Izmir…
It is learned from news coverage of May 3, 2018 that “LGBTİ+ Basic Concepts” event of Buca Municipality City
Council Equality Assembly and Dokuz Eylül University Law Faculty Human Rights Club, which was planned to be
held in campus was cancelled by Dokuz Eylül University for security reasons.
07 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/029) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from news coverage of May 5, 2018 that 1 militant died in a clash between security forces and HPG
militants in rural areas of Hizan district of Bitlis on April 26, 2018.
(05/030) 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 for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 4, 5, and 6, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 4, 2018, 4 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Simge Aksan, Mehmet Dersulu and İlker Işık) and at 18.00 4 people (Nazan
Bozkurt, Derviş Lermi, Simge Aksan, 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
May 5, 2018, 3 people (Mehmet Dersulu, İlker Işık, Derviş Lermi) and at 18.00 5 people (Acun Karadağ, Nazan
Bozkurt, Simge Aksan, İlker Işık and Derviş Lermi) were detained.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 6, 2018, 3 people (Simge Aksan, Mehmet Dersulu and İlker Işık) and at 18.00 4 people (Gülnaz Bozkurt, Simge
Aksan, Mehmet Dersulu and İlker Işık) were detained.
Thus in total 23 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 4, 5, 6,
2018. It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/031) Arrested Journalist in Denizli…
Gökhan Öner, reporter of Dihaber (closed down by the state of emergency decree) who was detained in Denizli on
April 28, 2018, is arrested by the court for ‘being an illegal organisation member’ on May 5, 2018. 4 people who
were also detained with Gökhan Öner are released on juridical control conditions.
(005/032) Detained HDP Members and Executives…
7 people including HDP council board member Asiye Kolçak are detained in house raids in Istanbul on May 5, 2018.
The names of detainees are: Asiye Kolçak, Fatma Kaya, Canşah Çelik, Zeynep Çalıhan, Ayten Ay, Zübeyde Akdağ
and Diyar Ozgan.
07 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 4
(05/033) Detentions and Arrests…
3 of 7 people who were detained in Cizre district of Şırnak on May 3, 2018 are released after procedures at the police
station. It is learned that 4 people (Mehmet İşçi, Kahraman Tetik, Hamit Çıkmaz and İdris Yaşar) are still under
custody.
(05/034) Detained People for Social Media Posts in Antep…
5 of 10 people detained in Antep, for insulting the President and urging hatred among people, are arrested. 5 people
are released (4 of them on juridical control conditions).
(05/035) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this
crime!”…
The final trial of the cases against 2 academicians (Melike Acar and Ayşegün Soysal) 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’ started to be held on May 4, 2018. After defence hearings the court adjourned both trials to October 11,
2018.
(05/036) Lawyer on Trial in Batman…
The final trial of the case against Abdullah Öcalan’s lawyer Mehmet Öztütün, on Batman Penal Court of First
Instance No 2, for using “Kurdish people’s leader” and “The chief negotiator” expressions about his client on social
media posts, is held on May 4, 2018. The court acquitted Mehdi Öztütün on the grounds that there are no criminal
elements to base on.
(05/037) Singer on Trial in Tunceli…
The final trial of the case against singer Pınar Aydınlar on Tunceli Heavy Penal Court No 2, for her expressions on
İbrahim Kaypakkaya in an event she attended in Tunceli, is held on May 5, 2018. The court sentenced Pınar
Aydınlar to 10 months for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. The court also decided to debar Pınar
Aydınlar from several civil rights including right to vote and stand for election, according to Clause 1 of Article 53
of Turkish Penal Code.
(05/038) Gendarmerie Intelligence and Anti-Terror Unit (JİTEM) Case in Ankara…
JITEM case in Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 1 continued to be held in May 4, 2018.
The indictment demands penalty for the 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, for unidentified murders in and around Ankara between 1993-1996, on the grounds of “killing as a
part of an armed organisation established with the aim of committing criminal acts”.
The chief judge declared that “Susurluk Report” which was demanded from Prime Ministry Inspection Board is
submitted to the court with some parts being removed on the grounds of being “state secret”. After declarations of
complainant lawyers, the court rejected the demand for Tansu Çiller, her husband Özer Çiller and Mesut Yılmaz
being heard and decided to demand the official decision on removed parts of the report as being state secret. The
court adjourned the trial to October 2, 2018.
(05/039) HDP Members and Executives on Trial in Adana…
The final trial of the case against 18 people on Adana Heavy Penal Court No 11, for making propaganda on their
social media posts is held on May 4, 2018. The defendants include Adana Bar Prison Watch Committee Chair
lawyer Tugay Bek and HDP Adana co-chair Gülseren Tural. After defence hearings the court sentenced 4 defendants
(Mehmet Tutuş, Bahri Çelik, Derya Çiçek and Halime Kuş) to jail penalties differing from 1 year and 3 months to 1
year and 6 months for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. The court acquitted 14 defendants.
(05/040) “İstanbul Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) Main Case”
07 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 5
The case against 205 people including Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) members and executives on Istanbul
Heavy Penal Court No 3 is held on May 4, 2018. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to July 6, 2018.
(05/041) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 4, 2018, 32 people in operations covering 3 cities through an Ankara based investigation, 18 people in
operations covering 2 cities through an Istanbul based investigation, 8 people including 1 lieutenant commander and
1 lieutenant colonel in operations covering 21 cities through an Istanbul based investigation, 7 people in operations
covering 7 cities through an Aydın based investigation, 12 people in operations covering 9 cities through a Sivas
based investigation, 20 people in operations covering 4 cities through an Antalya based investigation, 5 people
through a Konya based investigation, 3 people in Trabzon are detained.
4 of 16 people who were detained through a Muğla based investigation are arrested by the court on May 4, 2018. 12
people are released on juridical control conditions. 9 people has been arrested and 15 people have been released on
juridical control conditions through this investigation earlier, the total number of detainees is 40.
3 of 27 people who were detained through a Giresun based investigation are arrested by the court on May 4, 2018. 24
people are released on juridical control conditions.
On May 5, 2018, 9 people in operations covering 5 cities through a Mersin based investigation are detained.
On May 6, 2018, 72 people are detained in 118 house raids.
(05/042) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against 76 defendants including Adem Huduti, former marshal of Second Army of Turkish
Armed Forces, on Malatya Heavy Penal Court No 1 is held on May 4, 2018. The court sentenced 14 defendants to
heavy life penalty and 2 defendants to life penalty for ‘violating the Constitution’. The court sentenced Adem Huduti
to 15 years for ‘aiding to the crime of attempting the constitutional order’ and 2 defendants to 7 years and 6 months
for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court acquitted 57 defendants.
(05/043) Elections on June 24, 2018….
On May 5, 2018, the police seized HDP co-chair Sezai Temelli’s passport in Istanbul Ataturk Airport while he was
departing for Brussels.
On May 6, 2018, 5 people got injured (1 of them is heavily) in an attack with arms and knives against IYI Party
members in Bağcılar district of Istanbul. IYI Party members including Bağcılar district chair, were on the stump for
elections during the attack.
(05/044) Event Prevented in Istanbul…
The commemoration for the 81th anniversary of 1938 Dersim Massacre, organised by European Federation of
Democratic Dersim Associations (ADEF) and Federation of Democratic Dersim Associations (DEDEF) at
Galatasaray Square in Istanbul is prevented by the police on May 5, 2018.
(05/045) Event Prevented in Ankara…
It is learned from news coverage of May 5, 2018 that the Pride Week events organised by Middle East Technical
University (METU) LGBTI+ Solidarity between May 7-12, 2018 is banned by METU Rectorate. It is reported that
the reason for ban is based on November 18, 2017 decision of Ankara Governorate banning all LGBTI+ events in
Ankara.
(05/046) Occupational Murders…
Health and Safety Labour Watch (ISIG) declared that at least 117 workers died including 4 children and 10 women
in occupational murders in April 2018. According to the data provided by ISIG, the number of workers died in
occupational accidents and murders in the first four months of 2018 raised up to at least 575.
08 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 6
08 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/047) Civilian Injured Due to Mine Explosion…
It is learned that a person named Hasan Hüseyin Kılıç got injured due to mine explosion on May 7, 2018. Hasan
Hüseyin Kılıç was gathering mushrooms around Balpayam village of Tunceli’s Pülümür district. It is also learned
that Kılıç was taken to Erzincan Mengücek Research Hospital.
(05/048) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is claimed on news coverage of May 7, 2018 that in great numbers of animals died in rural areas of Fındık town of
Şırnak’s Güçlükonak district due to mortar shells shot from Kaletepe Military Base. It is reported that the shepherds
did not get injured.
(05/049) Torture in Police Custody in Istanbul…
Lawyers of 2 students from Boğaziçi University, who were detained and then arrested because they protested
delivery of delight in the campus to celebrate Turkish Armed Forces’ military operation to Afrin, made a declaration
on May 7, 2018 and announced that their clients were subjected to torture in police custody. The lawyers stated that
their clients were subjected to undressed search, physical violence, racist and sexist insults at Istanbul Police
Headquarters. It is also stated that police officers stayed in the examination room and intervened the standard
medical examination process.
(05/050) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of May 7, 2018 that 2 prisoners in Izmir Kırıklar F Type Prison No 1 were
subjected to physical violence of gendarmerie during hospital transfer on April 17, 2018.
It is learned from news coverage of May 7, 2018 that political prisoners in Ödemiş T Type Prison were subjected to
physical violence of wardens because of rejecting standing-up roll-calls.
It is learned from news coverage of May 7, 2018 that prisoners in Iskenderun M Type Prison were subjected to
physical violence of gendarmerie because of speaking Kurdish.
(05/051) Prisoner Prevented from Right to Medical Treatment…
It is claimed on news coverage of May 7, 2018 that Zeynep Kayra, an ill prisoner with thyroid cancer, in Bakırköy
Women’s Prison cannot get her medical controls in nuclear medicine clinic of a hospital but instead was taken to the
prison infirmary.
(05/052) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 7, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 7, 2018, 5 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Mehmet Dersulu, Simge Aksan, İlker Işık, Derviş Lermi) and at 18.00 6
people (Acun Karadağ, Nazan Bozkurt, Gülnaz Bozkurt, Simge Aksan, Derviş Lermi, and İlker Işık) were detained.
Thus in total 11 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 7, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/053) Preventions and Interventions Against May 1 Meetings…
2 people (readers of Mücadele Birliği magazine) who were detained at Taksim Square in Istanbul on May 1, 2018
are arrested by the court on May 7, 2018.
Members of People’s Liberation Party (HKP) who were detained in Beşiktaş on May 1, 2018 are released by the
court on May 7, 2018.
(05/054) People Detained for Social Media Posts in Şırnak…
08 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 7
Hikmet Alma, brother of a victim of Roboski massacre, is detained on May 7, 2018 in Uludere Courthouse where he
was to testify for an investigation. Hikmet Alma was detained for ‘insulting the President in his social media posts’
and was released on juridical control conditions by the court on the same day.
(05/055) Police Operation Against Furkan Foundation…
On May 7, 2018, in operations covering 9 cities through an Adana based investigation against Furkan Foundation 23
people including the executives are detained.
Through the same investigation, 28 people have been detained earlier and 5 of them including Alpaslan Kuytul, the
chair of the foundation were arrested. Also, a trustee was appointed for the foundation.
(05/056) Özgür Gündem Case…
The case against Eren Keskin, Reyhan Çapan, Reyhan Hacıoğlu, Nuray Özdoğan, Celalettin Can, Ayşe Batumlu,
Ayşe Berktay, Filiz Koçali and Hüseyin Aykol on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14, for attending to the “Executive
Editor on Call” campaign to support Özgür Gündem newspaper which was closed down by the state of emergency
decree, is held on May 7, 2018. The court adjourned the trial to July 9, 2018.
The case against Faruk Eren, Ertuğrul Mavioğlu, Celal Başlangıç, Ömer Ağın, İhsan Çaralan, Celalettin Can, Fehim
Işık, Öncü Akgül, Hüseyin Aykol, Veysel Kemer, Yüksel Oğuz, Mehmet Şirin Taşdemir and Dilşah Karakaya for
the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 is held on May 7, 2018. The prosecutor declared legal opinion
on the case and demanded jail sentence for Hüseyin Aykol up to 13 years for ‘making propaganda for an illegal
organisation in a sequence’ and jail sentence up to 7.5 years for other defendants for ‘making propaganda for an
illegal organisation’. The court adjourned the trial to July 16, 2018.
(05/057) Co-mayors on Trial…
Erzurum Regional Court approved the 2 years’ sentence given to Handan Bağcı and Şerafettin Özalp, co-mayors of
Özalp district of Van and deputy mayor Okan Bayram, by Özalp Penal Court of First Instance No 1. It is learned
from news coverage of May 7, 2018 that after the approval Handan Bağcı, Şerafettin Özalp and Okan Bayram were
arrested.
(05/058) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 7, 2018, in operations covering 25 cities through an Istanbul based investigation 16 people (a warrant is
issued for 52 people), in operations covering 11 cities through a Balıkesir based investigation 14 people, in
operations covering 10 cities through a Hakkari based investigation 8 people are detained.
(05/059) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The case against Andrew Craig, the priest of Resurrection Church in Izmir, on Izmir Heavy Penal Court No 2,
continued to be held on May 7, 2018. The indictment demands penalty for ‘committing crime on behalf of an illegal
organisation whereas not being a member’ and ‘providing confidential information of state for espionage’. An
anonymous witness was heard at the trial. The court decided on continuation of detention for Andrew Craig and
adjourned the trial to July 18, 2018.
09 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 8
09 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/060) People on Trial for Reacting to Military Operation to Afrin…
Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office prepared the indictment about 11 people for ‘publicly inciting people to
hatred’ and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ in the press declaration organised by HDP, HDK and
DTK representatives on February 4, 2018, on Turkish Armed Forces operation to Afrin. The indictment demands jail
sentence for 11 people up to 8 years. The names of 11 people are: co-spokespeople of People’s Democratic Congress
(HDK) Professor Onur Hamzaoğlu and Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, HDP former co-chair Serpil Kemalbay,
Revolutionist Party chair Musa Piroğlu, The Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP) co-chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları
and Ahmet Kaya, Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) deputy chair and Socialist Women’s Assembly (SKM)
spokesperson Fadime Çelebi, DBP deputy co-chair Hacer Özdemir, Socialist Solidarity Platform spokesperson
Kezban Konukçu Kok, the Greens and Left for the Future Party co-chairs Naci Sönmez and Özlem Eylem Tuncaeli.
(05/061) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that 1 soldier died in a clash in Sare Batin region in Northern Iraq.
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that 3 militants died in a clash between security forces and HPG
militants in rural areas of Genç district of Bingöl on March 18, 2018.
(05/062) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that Nurullah Doğan, a prisoner in Elazığ Prison No 1, who was
subjected to physical violence of the wardens because of greeting a friend in prison, cannot see his mother Torun
Doğan in visits despite of the permission of the prosecutor’s office.
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that DBP Ömerli district former co-chair Esma Yıldız who is in
Urfa T Type Prison No 2, cannot get medicine for her 10-months old baby with asthma. Esma Yıldız’s husband
Mihri Yıldız stated that 33 people stays in wards for 12 people, prisoners get poisoned due to dirty water, visiting
hours of the prisoners are limited and his wife cannot get supplementary food and medicine for her baby.
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that transfer demands of an LGBTI+ prisoner from Erzincan T
Type Prison is not accepted due to the gender identity of the prisoner. The prisoner sent a letter to Civil Society in
the Penal System Association (CISST) and stated that transfer decisions to Balıkesir T Type Prison, Rize L Type
Prison and Kayseri T Type Prison No 2 respectively but none of them were executed.
(05/063) The Ill Prisoner Released…
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that Özgür Halk magazine employee Devrim Ayık, who was
released on house confinement conditions on May 7, 2018 due to having colon cancer, is detained again on May 8,
2018. It is learned that Devrim Ayık is detained while he was leaving Antalya L Type Prison, and the reason for
detention was another investigation.
(05/064) Disabled Prisoner Not Being Released…
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that Mevlüde Başdaş, a prisoner from Şakran Women’s Prison is
not being released in spite of being 86% disabled. Mevlüde Başdaş’s son Metin Başdaş stated that her mother has
medical reports on being disabled and ill, yet she was not being released.
(05/065) 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 for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 8, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 8, 2018, 4 people (Acun Karadağ, Gülnaz Bozkurt, Derviş Lemi and Eser Budak) and at 18.00 4 people (Nazan
Bozkurt, Gülnaz Bozkurt, Simge Aksan and İlker Işık) were detained.
09 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 9
Thus in total 8 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 8, 2018. It
is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/066) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this
crime!”…
The cases against academicians Biriz Gonca Berksoy and Tülay Erkan (retired) from Istanbul University for signing
the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 36 for ‘making propaganda for
an illegal organisation’ is held on May 8, 2018. After defence hearings the court adjourned both trials to November
6, 2018.
The case against Assoc. Professor İnci Özkan Kerestecioğlu for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No
36 started to be held on May 8, 2018. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to November 6, 2018.
The cases against Professor Hacer Ansal (Işık University) and Assoc. Professor M. B. (Kadir Has University) for the
same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 36 started to be held on May 8, 2018. After defence hearings the
court adjourned the trial to October 30, 2018.
(05/067) Elections on June 24, 2018….
2 of 8 people who were detained for the armed assault to IYI Party members (including IYI Party Bağcılar district
chair) on May 6, 2018 in Bağcılar district of Istanbul, are arrested by the court on May 8, 2018. 6 people are released
after procedures at the police.
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that, the house of Mehmet Aslan, member of IYI Party founders’
committee, was shot in Beykoz, Istanbul on May 6, 2018. It is learned that Mehmet Aslan was called to the police
station for testifying.
(05/068) Trial of People Evacuated from Sur…
The case against 44 people (including 23 arrestees) who were evacuated from Sur district of Diyarbakır where they
were stuck due to curfew and clashes in February and March, 2016, on Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 5, is held
on May 8, 2018.
After defence hearings, the court decided continuation of detention for arrested defendants Baran Aslan, Ahmet
Karatay, Sinem Ateş, Burhan Balta, İhsan Biter, Helin Yapıcı, İhsan Karatay, Mehmet Şirin Kaya, Ümit Özkan,
Mehmet Yakoğlu, Yunus Özak, Mesut Akgül, Sedat Nurioğlu, Yusuf Boz, Ömer Atalay, Dılşad Şengül, Mehmet
Çoreşoğlu, Rihan Kavak Özbek, Mahsun Saruhan, Ekrem Karatay, Mehmet Şirin Arat, Metin Karadoğan and
Mehmet Salih Ateş.
The court also decided to make an official complaint to Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecution Office about
Abdulhadin Yasul, the lawyer of defendant İhsan Biter, for his expressions during the trials as “We have submitted
the documents about my client’s being captured” and adjourned the trial to September 25, 2018.
(05/069) People on Trial for Social Media Posts in Istanbul…
The case against 10 people including 9 arrestees (including İshak Karakaş, Halkın Nabzı newspaper executive editor
and Artı Gerçek author) on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 28, for their social media posts about Turkish Armed
Forces’ military operation to Afrin, is held on May 8, 2018. After defence hearings the court released 9 arrestees on
juridical control conditions and ban on leaving the country, and adjourned the trial to September 18, 2018.
(05/070) Soldier on Trial in Kayseri…
The final trial of the case against private soldier C. S. from Kayseri Commando Brigade No 1, for the expressions he
was alleged to use after death of 14 soldiers by a bombing attack in Kayseri on December 17, 2016, on Kayseri
Heavy Penal Court No 2 is held on May 8, 2018. It was claimed that C. S. said “Soldiers are not martyred, they die”
and “PKK members are not terrorists they are guerrillas”. The court sentenced C. S. to 10 months for ‘making
propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and deferred of the announcement of the verdict.
(05/071) Journalists Being Threatened in Diyarbakır…
09 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 10
It is learned from news coverage of May 8, 2018 that Jinnews reporters Durket Süren and Nurcan Yalçın were
threatened by the police as “Help us, be informants, otherwise we will come here as long as you work here”. Human
Rights Association Diyarbakır branch made a press declaration and stated that imposition and force on journalists to
be informants and threats against them are rising. Nurcan Yalçın stated that she was at Anti-Terror Department on
May 5, 2018, where she was called to testify, and after her lawyer left the department she was threatened by 2 people
to be an informant. Durket Süren was detained in Lice district of Diyarbakır on March 1, 2018 and was released by
the court on probation on March 5, 2018.
(05/072) Journalist and 2 People on Trial in Batman…
The case against Şerife Oruç, reporter of DİHA which was closed down by the state of emergency decree, and 2
more people on Batman Heavy Penal Court No 2 is held on May 8, 2018. Journalist Şerife Oruç was detained with
Muzaffer Tunç and Emrah Oruç on July 3, 2016 and all three were arrested by the court on July 5, 2018. After
defence hearings the court decided on continuation of detention for 3 defendants, separation of the case of Muzaffer
Tunç from that of Şerife Oruç. The court also decided to bring the witnesses forcefully to the next trial and adjourned
the trial to July 9, 2018.
(05/073) Police Officer on Trial in Mersin for Feray Şahin’s Death…
The case against police officer Fatih Burak Aykut for Feray Şahin’s death on September 19, 2017 in Mersin, on
Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 5 is held on May 8, 2018. Fatih Burak Aykut attended the trial via sound and vision
system due to being arrested. After defence hearings the court decided to expect the responses of writs to Forensic
Medicine Institution and Apple Tech. and continuation of detention for the defendant. The court adjourned the trial
to June 19, 2018.
(05/074) HDP PM’s on Trial…
The final trial of the case against HDP Ağrı PM’s Dilan Dirayet Taşdemir and Berdan Öztürk on Erzurum Heavy
Penal Court No 2 for ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ is held on May 8, 2018. The court acquitted
Berdan Öztürk and sentenced Dilan Dirayet Taşdemir to 1 year and 8 monhts for ‘making propaganda for an illegal
organisation’ and deferred of the announcement of the verdict.
The case against HDP Istanbul PM and former co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş on Diyarbakır Penal Court of First
Instance No 7 for ‘insulting the government of Republic of Turkey publicly’ is held on May 8, 2018. The court
decided to submit the case to Ankara First Instance on duty based on the decision of Penal Department No 5 of the
Supreme Court.
(05/075) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
Lawyer Sibel Sevinç Deveci is detained on the grounds of ‘making propaganda for Fethullahist organisation’ on her
social media posts, on May 8, 2018. It is learned that Sibel Sevinç Deveci was taken to Anti-Terror Department of
Istanbul Police Headquarters.
On May 8, 2018, 36 people in Afyon, 13 people in Antalya, 6 people in operations covering 3 cities through an
Erzurum based investigation, 18 people in operations covering 12 cities through a Batman based investigation, 14
soldiers in operations covering 9 cities through a Samsun based investigation, 10 people in operations covering 4
cities through a Denizli based investigation, 6 people in operations covering 34 cities through a Konya based
investigation.
On May 8, 2018, Ö.İ., consultant of Kaynak Company which was closed down by the state of emergency decree, and
his wife are detained (due to a detention warrant) in Aliağa district of İzmir for attempting illegally flee to Greece.
(05/076) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against Hasan Hüseyin Eryiğit, former sub-governor of Kurşunlu, on Ankara Heavy Penal
Court No 16 is held on May 8, 2018. The court sentenced Eryiğit to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal
organisation member’.
09 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 11
The final trial of the case against 4 defendants on Kayseri Heavy Penal Court No 4 is held on May 8, 2018. The court
sentenced 1 defendant to 6 years and 3 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’, 1 defendant to 2 years and
1 month for ‘aiding an illegal organisation’. The court sentenced 1 defendant to 3 years and 9 months (on effective
remorse law conditions) and 1 defendant to 1 year 6 months and 22 days.
The case against journalist Alaaddin Akkaşoğlu on Kütahya Heavy Penal Court No 2 is held on May 8, 2018.
Akkaşoğlu’s demand for being released due to having health problems and no suspicion to escape is rejected by the
court. The court decided on continuation of detention and adjourned the trial.
The final trial of the case against Birol İbili, former 4th degree police chief, on İzmir Heavy Penal Court No 14 is
held on May 8, 2018. The court sentenced Birol İbili to 9 years for ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
The final trial of the case against Hakan Aydın, former chief of Narcotic Department in Istanbul Police Headquarters
in 2010, on Urfa Heavy Penal Court No 5 is held on May 5, 2018. The court sentenced Hakan Aydın to 6 years 10
months and 15 days for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. Hakan Aydın was among interrogators of Onur Yaser
Can, who was subjected to undressed search in a police station in 2010 and killed himself afterwards. Çiğdem Şat,
the lawyer of Onur Yaser Can’s family, made an application to be the joint attorney of the case on October 20, 2017
stating that “the police team led by Hakan Aydın implemented torture and ill-treatment to Onur Yaser Can during the
interrogation and Onur Yaser Can was subjected to the sexual harassment of the police team”, and her application
was approved.
(05/077) Special Security Area in Bingöl…
Hakkari Governorate made a declaration and announced that 30 areas with given coordinates in central, Çukurca,
Şemdinli and Yüksekova districts of Hakkari are special security areas between May 9 and May 30, 2018.
14 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/103) The Child Died in Nusaybin Due to Explosive Substance…
On May 12, 2018, a child named Hogir Kayran (11) died due to explosive substance blast in Nusaybin district of
Mardin. It is reported that the child has found the material in the rubble pile of demolished buildings.
(05/104) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
On May 11, 2018, 1 soldier died and 1 soldier got injured due to a bomb explosion during the military operation to
Bestler Dereler area of Şırnak.
On May 11, 2018, 1 soldier got injured in a bombing attack to a military vehicle on Tunceli-Erzincan roadway.
(05/105) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 11, 12, 13, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 11, 2018, 5 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Alev Şahin, Simge Aksan, Derviş Lermi and İlker Işık) and at 18.00 5
people (Simge Aksan, Nazan Bozkurt, Alev Şahin, İlker Işık and Çetin Koçyiğit) were detained.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 12, 2018, 4 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Simge Aksan, İlker Işık and Derviş Lermi) and at 18.00 3 people (Nazan
Bozkurt, Gülnaz Bozkurt 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
May 13, 2018, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Gülnaz Bozkurt) and at 18.00 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Gülnaz
Bozkurt and Aleyna Sert) were detained.
14 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 12
Thus in total 22 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 11, 12,
13, 2018. It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/106) Arrested Newspaper Publisher…
Kemal Sancılı, the Publisher of Özgür Gündem newspaper (closed by the state of emergency decree) who was
detained in Edirne on May 9, 2018, is arrested by the court on May 11, 2018.
(05/107) Detained Journalist in Artvin…
Reyhan Çapan, the executive editor of Özgür Gündem newspaper (closed by the state of emergency decree) who was
detained based on a warrant on May 10, 2018, is arrested by the court on May 11, 2018.
(005/108) Detained HDP Executives and Members…
13 people including HDP former Bursa PM Asiye Kolçak who were detained on May 5, 2018 are referred to the
court on May 11, 2018. 4 people are arrested for ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and 9 people including Asiye
Kolçak are released on juridical control conditions. The names of arrested people are: Ayşe Yıldız, Aynur Daşdöğen,
Canşah Çelik and Rıhan Akgül.
3 people including Atiye Eren, former HDP central executive board member, who were detained in Ankara for
‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation’ on May 9, 2018 are released on juridical control conditions by the
court on May 11, 2018.
(05/109) Detentions and Arrests…
4 of 7 people who were detained in Cizre district of Şırnak on May 3, 2018 are released by the court on May 11,
2018. 3 people were released on May 5, 2018.
(05/110) Person Arrested in Eskişehir for ‘Insulting the President’…
A person named Berrin S. (54) who was detained for ‘insulting the President’ in social media posts is arrested by the
court on May 13, 2018.
(05/111) Police Operation Against Furkan Foundation…
5 of 26 people who were detained on May 7, 2018 through an Adana based investigation on Furkan Foundation are
arrested by the court on May 12, 2018. 21 people are released on juridical control conditions.
28 people have been detained through the investigation previously, 5 people including Alpaslan Kuytul, chair of the
foundation were arrested and a trustee was appointed to the foundation.
(05/112) Co-Mayors on Trial…
The case against Nusaybin co-mayors Sara Kaya and Cengiz Kök on Mardin Heavy Penal Court No 4 is held on
May 8, 2018. The court decided on continuation of detention for Sara Kaya and adjourned the trial to July, 24 2018.
Cengiz Kök was released on juridical control conditions on December 14, 2017. The ministry of interior has
appointed a trustee for Nusaybin Municipality on September 11, 2016. Sara Kaya and Cengiz Kök were detained on
January 13, 2017 and were arrested by the court on January 27, 2017.
(05/113) Former Co-Mayor on Trial…
The case against Ferhan Türk, former co-mayor of Kızıltepe on Mardin Heavy Penal Court No 3 for ‘being an illegal
organisation member’ is held on May 11, 2018. After defence hearings the court released Ferhan Türk and adjourned
the trial to July 6, 2018.
(05/114) HDP and DBP Members and Executives on Trial in Malatya…
The case against 14 members and executives of HDP and DBP (13 of them were arrested) on Malatya Heavy Penal
Court No 1 started to be held on May 11, 2018. After defence hearings the court released 6 people (Perihan
Yücekaya, Aydın Üstün, Turabi Günay, Bülent Taşan, Sinan Aladağ and Ali Doğan) and adjourned the trial to June
28, 2018.
(05/115) HDP and DBP Members and Executives on Trial in Urfa…
14 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 13
The case against 22 people (15 of them were arrested) including İsmail Aslan, former co-mayor of Ceylanpınar,
Zeynel Taş, co-mayor of Bozova and HDP and DBP executives on Urfa Heavy Penal Court No 2 for being a
member of Democratic Society Congress (DTK) is held on May 11, 2018. After defence hearings the court released
4 people on juridical control conditions (İsmail Arslan, Cemo Tüysüz, İbrahim Aykaç, Mükri Vakar) and decided on
continuation of detention for 11 people and adjourned the trial to June 29, 2018.
(05/116) People on Trial for Supporting Nuriye Gülmen and Semih Özakça…
The final trial of the case against 16 people on Samsun Heavy Penal Court No 4, for hanging a banner during the
football match between Konyaspor and Beşiktaş teams, is held on May 11, 2018. The banner was to support Nuriye
Gülmen and Semih Özakça, who were on hunger strike in order to regain their jobs after being dismissed by the state
of emergency decree. The court acquitted 15 people and separated the case of 1 defendant.
11 of 16 people were arrested earlier, however they all were released on August 24, 2017 after the objection to
arrestment.
(005/117) People on Trial for Reacting to Military Operation to Afrin…
The case against Atiye Okay, HDP Antep co-chair on Antep Heavy Penal Court No 8 for her social media posts on
Afrin operation of Turkish Armed Forces, is held on May 11, 2018. After defence hearings the court released Atiye
Okay and adjourned the trial to September 25, 2018.
(05/118) Children Evacuated from Sur on Trial…
The final trial of the case against 11 children who were evacuated from Sur district of Diyarbakır on March 3 and
March 7 2016, after the curfew announced on November 28, 2015, on Diyarbakır Juvenile High Criminal Court is
held on May 11, 2018. It is learned that the demand of a child to make a defence in Kurdish was rejected. After
defence hearings the court sentenced 5 children to 2 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’
and postponed the sentences. The court sentenced 6 children to jail penalties differing from 3 years and 4 months and
5 years and 4 months for the same reason.
(05/119) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 11, 2018, 186 people (due to a warrant issued for 300 people including 211 military members on duty) in
operations covering 52 cities through an Istanbul based investigation, 8 people for giving the questions of Police
Academy Examination on 2012 to illegal organisation members through an Ankara based investigation, 25 people in
operations covering 3 cities through a Bursa based investigation, 15 military members on duty in operations covering
10 cities through a Çanakkale based investigation are detained.
On May 12, 2018, 2 people in Edirne are detained.
On May 13, 2018, 1 person in Izmir is detained.
(05/120) Journalists on Trial in Istanbul…
The case against 11 writers (6 of them were arrested) of Zaman newspaper which was closed with the state of
emergency decree, including Ali Bulaç, Şahin Alpay, Mümtazer Türköne, Ahmet Alkan and Mustafa Ünal on
Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 is held on May 10 and 11, 2018. The defendants made their defence as to the
accusations. After defence hearings the court released Ali Bulaç and Mehmet Özdemir on juridical control
conditions. The court also lifted house confinement condition for Şahin Alpay and adjourned the trial to June 7,
2018.
(05/121) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against 115 people (26 of them were arrested) including Hüseyin Bağcı, former rector of
Pamukkale University and academicians dismissed form universities, on Denizli Heavy Penal Court No 5 is held on
May 11, 2018. The court sentenced 64 defendants to jail penalties differing from 1 year 6 months and 22 days to 8
years and 9 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court acquitted 46 defendants, separated the cases
of 5 defendants and released (due to acquittal) 10 arrested defendants.
14 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 14
(05/122) Elections on June 24, 2018….
It is learned from news coverage of May 13, 2018 that on Turkish Radio and Television Institution’s radio and
television news reports about elections on June 24, 2018, AKP (Justice and Development Party) and MHP
(Nationalist Movement Party) alliance was featured for 37 hours and 40 minutes and 22 seconds, CHP (Republican
People’s Party) was featured for 3 hours and 4 minutes and 28 seconds between April 17 and May 6, 2018. Within
the same time interval, HDP (Democratic Party of Peoples) and SP (Felicity Party) was not featured at all.
(05/123) Prohibited Books…
It is learned from news coverage of May 13, 2018 that İdil Criminal Court of Peace decided to take 9 books
published by Avesta Publishing House off the shelves and prohibit these books to be available. The names of the
books are: Kan, İnançlar ve Oy Pusulaları [Blood, Beliefs and Ballots]; Cesur Adamların Ülkesine Yolculuk [A
Voyage to the Land of Brave Men]; Tasavvur Mu Gerçek Mi? Mahabad Kürt Cumhuriyeti Büyük Güçlerin
Politikasında Kürtler 1941-1947 [Imagination or Reality? Kurds in Great Powers’ Policy in Mahabad Kurdish
Republic 1941-1947]; Mağdur Diasporadan Sınır-Ötesi Vatandaşlığa Mı? [From Victim Diaspora to Cross-Border
Citizenship?]; Ülkemde Bir Yabancı [A Foreigner in My Country]; Çaldıran Savaşı’nda Osmanlılar Safeviler ve
Kürtler [Ottomans, Safevis and Kurds in Çaldıran War]; Tanrı ve Şeyh Adi Kusursuzdur: Êzidî Tarihinden Kutsal
Şiirler ve Dinsel Anlatılar [Sacred Poems and Religious Narrations in Ezidi History]; Kürdistan Bayrağının Altında
[Under the Kurdish Flag]; Irak’ta Soykırım [Genocide in Iraq]. It is learned that the books were found in house
searches during PKK operations in İdil district of Şırnak and the prohibition decision was based on this.
15 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/124) Police Violence Claim in İstanbul…
It is learned from news coverage of May 14, 2018 that director Fatih Ahmet Akıncı was subjected to verbal and
physical violence of a police officer that he discussed at Çağlayan Police Station in Kağıthane district of Istanbul on
May 9, 2018. It is also learned that Fatih Ahmet Akıncı was at the police station for his lost dog, and he was injured
at hand due to physical violence. It is reported that Fatih Ahmet Akıncı made an official complaint to the
prosecutor’s office.
(05/125) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
On May 14, 2018, 2 soldiers got injured (1 is heavily) in an attack to security forces in rural areas of İdil district of
Şırnak.
(05/126) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on May 14, 2018 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader
Abdullah Öcalan’s sister and brother 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. With the last rejection, it was the 75th time
that appeals for visiting Öcalan have been rejected since September 11, 2016.
(05/127) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 14, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 14, 2018, 2 people (Mehmet Dersulu and Derviş Lemi) and at 18.00 4 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Simge Aksan,
İlker Işık and Mehmet Dersulu) were detained.
15 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 15
Thus in total 6 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 14, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/128) Detained Magazine Employee in Bingöl…
Yüksel Azak, an employee of Demokratik Modernite magazine, is detained in Bingöl for he should testify for an
investigation, on May 14, 2018 and is taken to Bingöl Police Headquarters.
(05/129) Person Detained for Social Media Posts in Izmir…
It is learned that on May 14, 2018, during a criminal record check in Karşıyaka district of Izmir, a person named
Enes Çağlayan was detained for ‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation on social media posts’ and was taken
to Izmir Police Headquarters.
(05/130) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 14, 2018, 21 people (including Major Mustafa Yoldaş, Silivri Gendarmerie Commander) in operations
covering 18 cities through an Ağrı based investigation, 15 people including military members on duty in operations
covering 11 cities through a Tokat based investigation are detained.
On May 11, 2018 a warrant was issued for 300 people (including 211 military members on duty) through an Istanbul
based investigation about illegal organisation structure in Turkish Armed Forces. On May 11, 2018 and following
days, 200 people including 198 military members on duty were detained in operations covering 52 cities. It is
learned that 8 colonels, 6 lieutenant colonels, 21 major commanders and 13 lieutenants are detained.
6 of 15 people (14 of them are military members on active duty) who were detained on May 8, 2018 through a
Samsun based investigation are arrested by the court on May 14, 2018. It is reported that 5 people are released (4 of
them are on juridical control conditions) and 4 people are still under custody.
(05/131) Elections on June 24, 2018….
It is learned that an armed assault was carried out to Coordination Centre of AKP in Beypazarı district of Ankara on
May 14, 2018. It is reported that nobody got injured due to attack, and the assaulter or assaulters are unknown.
16 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 16
16 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/132) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from news coverage of May 15, 2018 that 2 soldiers got injured due to a bazooka attack to Göklü
Gendarmerie Station in Halfeti district of Urfa.
It is learned from news coverage of May 15, 2018 that 5 soldiers died and 5 soldiers got injured in a clash between
security forces and HPG militants in Barzan area of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government.
(05/133) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of May 15, 2018 that women prisoners in Urfa Hilvan T Type Prison No 2 are
forced to stay in groups of 30 in wards for 10 people, cannot use their right to go to the infirmary and are subjected
to verbal and physical violence of the wardens.
(05/134) Ankara Chamber of Medicine Declaration on Detention Processes…
Human Rights Commission of Ankara Chamber of Medicine made a press declaration on May 14, 2018 to announce
the report on violations of rights in detention processes. It is stated that the report consists of the evaluation of
applications and complaints to Human Rights Commission about violations and of the experiences of Professor Onur
Hamzaoğlu (Turkish Medical Association Society and Physician Journal Editor) who was detained on February 9,
2018 and is still arrested and that of Turkish Medical Association Council members who were detained on January
30, 2018. It is stated in the report that, detention processes are carried out by Ankara Police Anti-Terror Department
in a place called “sports hall” and under conditions of almost a concentration camp, and this becomes torture for
detainees and should be stopped immediately. In addition, it is stated in the report that, “the right to access to
attorney” and “the right of medical examination in proper conditions” are violated, and the lighting, size, daily used
tools and hygiene conditions of the detention place are not proper to human rights conditions. The report also
emphasized that the detention processes are not consistent with European Committee for the Prevention of Torture
and UN Mandela Rules standards.
(05/135) ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) Decision for Compensation…
It is learned from news coverage of May 15, 2018 that the application of Mehmet Uğraş Vatandaş to ECHR for
being subjected to torture and ill-treatment under custody is concluded. ECHR concluded that Republic of Turkey
should pay in total 12.000 Euros compensation (moral and material). Mehmet Uğraş Vatandaş has been detained by
a police intervention to a demonstration he attended on April 6, 2002 and has been taken to Beyoğlu Police Station.
The next day he has made an official complaint to the prosecutor’s office that his elbow was broken, and a case was
opened based on this. The court acquitted the defendant police officers on April 22, 2004 on the grounds that the
police officers that intervened the demonstration could not be identified and thus there is no sufficient evidence to
support the case. The Supreme Court, where Mehmet Uğraş Vatandaş has applied afterwards, ended the case based
on statute of limitation of period on June 14, 2011. After exhaustion of domestic remedies, Vatandaş has applied to
ECHR.
(05/136) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on May 15, 2018 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader
Abdullah Öcalan’s lawyers in order to visit their client was rejected the same day on the grounds of limitations for
prisoners in accordance with the law on the execution of sentences and security measures (law no 5275). With the
last rejection, it was the 755th time that appeals for visiting Öcalan have been rejected so far. Abdullah Öcalan has
met his lawyers on July 27, 2011 for the last time.
(05/137) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
16 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 17
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 15, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 15, 2018, 4 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Simge Aksan, İlker Işık and Cemal Toksoy) and at 18.00 4 people (Nazan
Bozkurt, Simge Aksan, Gülnaz Bozkurt and İlker Işık) were detained.
Thus in total 8 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 15, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/138) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this
crime!”…
The cases against 2 academicians (Gülşah Kurt and S. U.) 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’ started to be held
on May 15, 2018. Assoc. Professor S.U. (former employee of Kadir Has University) attended the trial and demanded
immediately acquittal and consolidation of the case with the case on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13. The court
rejected both demands and adjourned the trial to October 11, 2018. Assist. Professor Gülşah Kurt did not attend the
trial due to being on foreign mission. The court decided to issue a warrant for Gülşah Kurt in case she does not
attend the next trial and adjourned the trial to October 16, 2018.
(05/139) Detentions and Arrests…
It is learned from news coverage of May 15, 2018 that 7 people including HDP and DBP district co-chairs in
Karaçoban district of Erzurum. The names of detainees are: HDP Karaçoban district co-chair Kazım Keleş, DBP
Karaçoban district co-chair Remziye Sönmez, Sıddık Uğun, Hüseyin Genç, Ekrem Cintumur, Harun Dayan and
Ferzende Uzun.
(05/140) Magazine Employee Detained in Bingöl…
5 people including Yüksek Azak, an employee of Demokratik Modernite magazine, who were detained on May 14,
2018 are released by the court on May 15, 2018.
(05/141) Person Arrested for Social Media Posts…
It is learned from news coverage of May 15, 2018 that a construction worker named V. A. is arrested for ‘making
propaganda of an illegal organisation on social media’, in Bodrum district of Muğla.
(05/142) Detained Asylum Seekers in Van…
It is learned from news coverage of May 15, 2018 that between April 14 to May 15, 2018, 408 asylum seekers and 8
people alleged for human trafficking are detained in İpekyolu district of Van. It is learned that 3 of 8 people are
arrested for human trafficking, and 5 of them are released on juridical control conditions. It is reported that 408
asylum seekers were referred to the immigration office.
(05/143) Arrested Singer in Istanbul…
Singer Pınar Aydınlar is detained in Istanbul Atatürk Airport on May 15, 2018, for the approved sentence (7 and half
months) given to her due to her speeches during election campaign in 2015, while she was a candidate for HDP
İzmir PM. It is learned that Pınar Aydınlar’s passport was seized right after she arrives from Germany; she is arrested
after detention and sent to Bakırköy Women’s Prison.
(05/144) The Case on Sürmi İnce’s Death in Hakkari…
The case on Sürmi İnce’s (55) death due to gunfire of military members in Yüksekova district of Hakkari, on
Yüksekova Heavy Penal Court is held on May 15, 2018. Sürmi İnce’s family and lawyers demanded arrestment for
Ali Dağkıran, the one and only defendant of the case, and recusation based on the fact that the court cannot judge
fairly. The court rejected both demands and adjourned the trial to May 29, 2018.
On July 18, 2017, Sürmi İnce died due to gunfire shot by military members, while she was carrying food for her
children in Büyükçiftlik town of Yüksekova. Private soldier Ali Dağkıran was detained afterwards, however he was
released soon.
16 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 18
(05/145) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
It is learned that, 7 of 13 people (including former military school students and former police officers dismissed by
the state of emergency decree) who were detained in operations covering 8 cities through a Muş based investigation
are arrested by the court, 6 of them are released (3 of them on juridical control conditions).
It is learned that 27 of 73 people who were detained in İzmir on May 6, 2018, are arrested by the court, 3 of them are
released on juridical control conditions. 12 people are sent to relevant cities for further investigation. It is reported
that 31 people are still under custody.
(05/146) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trials of the cases on Malatya Heavy Penal Court against 3 people are held on May 15, 2018. The court
sentenced Yunus Taştan to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’, Rukiye General and
Rıza Gültekin to 6 years and 3 months for the same reason.
The final trials of the cases on Malatya Heavy Penal Court No 2 against 7 people including 2 arrestees, are held on
May 15, 2018. The court sentenced Ali Çetinkaya and Mecit Güner to 10 years for ‘being an illegal organisation
member’, İlknur Bayır to 6 years and 3 months for the same reason. The court sentenced Ayla Çatal to 2 years 7
months and 15 days, Selçuk Altay to 2 years and 6 months, Sevim Turan to 3 years 1 month and 15 days for ‘aiding
an illegal organisation’. The court sentenced Emine Büşra Yıldırır to 1 year 10 months and 15 days based on
effective remorse law, and deferred the announcement of the verdict.
(05/147) Special Security Zone in Şırnak…
Şırnak Governorate made a declaration on May 15, 2018 and announced that 53 areas with given coordinates
between Besta and Cudi mountain are special security areas between May 16 to May 30, 2018 for 15 days.
18 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/162) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of May 17, 2018 that, Pınar Aydınlar who was arrested in Istanbul Atatürk Airport
on May 15, 2018 and then was sent to Bakırköy Women’s Prison, was subjected to the physical violence of wardens
because of rejecting undressed search at the prison entrance.
It is learned from news coverage of May 17, 2018 that a prisoner named Yasin Güngör in Elazığ High Security
Prison No 2, was put in a single cell and was subjected to the physical violence of wardens. It is also learned that he
was not taken to the infirmary or to the hospital, and his complaint to Elazığ Public Prosecutor’s Office was seized
by the prison administration. It is learned that Güngör’s lawyer made an official complaint about the wardens and
prison administration.
(05/163) Torture Allegations in Hakkari…
It is claimed on news coverage of May 17, 2018 that Temer Şengül and Mehmet Ali Avcı, two people in Şapatan
(Altınsu) village of Hakkari’s Şemdinli district were subjected to torture of the police. It is reported in the news that
Temer Şengül’s and Mehmet Ali Avcı’s houses were raided by the police with armoured vehicles and their families
were also subjected to the physical violence of the police. In addition, it is learned that no medical report that
evidences the torture was given to Temer Şengül and Mehmet Ali Avcı when they went to the hospital, and their
official statements were not taken by Şemdinli district police headquarters where they applied to make a complaint.
It is learned that Temer Şengül and Mehmet Ali Avcı were among 100 villagers who have been subjected to physical
violence of the police in the raid to Şapatan village on August 7, 2017.
(05/164) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on May 17, 2018 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader
Abdullah Öcalan’s lawyers in order to visit their client was rejected the same day on the grounds of limitations for
18 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 19
prisoners in accordance with the law on the execution of sentences and security measures (law no 5275). With the
last rejection, it was the 756th time that appeals for visiting Öcalan have been rejected so far. Abdullah Öcalan has
met his lawyers on July 27, 2011 for the last time.
(05/165) Hrant Dink Case…
The case against 85 defendants including 9 arrestees, about the murder of Hrant Dink, Agos newspaper’s executive
editor, on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 is held on May 17, 2018. After defence hearings the court acquitted
Şükrü Yıldız, who was the chief civil inspector of the time, and decided on continuation of detention for other
arrested defendants. The court adjourned the trial to July 10-11-12, 2018.
(05/166) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 17, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 17, 2018, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Gülnaz Bozkurt) and at 18.00 5 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Gülnaz Bozkurt,
Acun Karadağ, Armağan Özbaş and Bülent Özgül) were detained.
Thus in total 7 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 17, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/167) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this
crime!”…
The cases against 10 academicians (Professor P.Y., lecturers Aslı Takanay and İpek Seyalıoğlu, research assistant
Bahar Şahin Fırat, Professor Abbas Vali, Assist. Professor S.Y., Assist. Professor Günizi Kartal, Assoc. Professor
Ayfer Bartu Candan and Professor M.G. from Boğaziçi University and Professor Tahsin Yeşildere form Istanbul
University) for signing the petition “We will not be a party to this crime!” on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 36 for
‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ started to be held on May 17, 2018. The court rejected the demands
for immediately acquittal and consolidation of the case with the case on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 in each
cases and adjourned the trials to November 20, 2018.
The case against research assistant Sinem Aydınlı from Bahçeşehir University for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy
Penal Court No 37 is held on May 17, 2018. The court rejected the demands for immediately acquittal and
consolidation of the case with the case on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 and adjourned the trial to November 6,
2018.
(05/168) Detained and Arrested HDP and DBP Members and Executives…
Sidar Zana Bilir, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) Batman candidate for nomination, is detained in a house raid on
May 17, 2018. It is reported that a warrant was issued for Sidar Zana Bilir by Çorlu Penal Court of Peace No 2, and
that she was taken to Batman Police Headquarters.
It is learned that Yüksel Şahin, DBP council member is raided in a house raid in Birecik district of Urfa on May 17,
2018. It is learned that Şahin was taken to Halfeti district police headquarters, although the reason for detention is
unknown.
It is learned that 9 members of HDP are detained in house raids in Şahinbey district of Antep on May 17, 2018. It is
learned that the detainees are taken to Antep Police headquarters although the reason for detention is unknown. The
names of detainees are: Talat Yılmazsoy, Mazlum Yılmazsoy, Mehmet Çelikay, İsmail Amaç, Hasan Aycan, Kadir
Akbalık, Murat Baz, Sedat Baz and Ömer Demir.
(05/169) Detentions and Arrests…
It is learned from news coverage that a large number of people are detained in Halfeti, Bozova and Birecik districts
of Urfa on May 17, 2018. The names of detainees known so far are: Mehmet Şahin, Zeki Alakuş, Abdullah Emlik,
18 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 20
Bahattin Erdil, Sabri Muray, Ahmet Aydın and Ekrem Doğan. It is learned that the detainees are taken to Halfeti
police headquarters.
(05/170) The Cases of Former HDP Co-Chairs…
The case against HDP former co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ, for ‘leading an illegal organisation’, ‘making propaganda
for an illegal organisation’, ‘opposing to the law on meetings and demonstrations’, ‘inciting people to hatred’ on
Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 16 is held on May 17, 2018. It is learned that foreign committees that arrive to Sincan
to watch the trial are not allowed into the courtroom. The trial is held in the courtroom in Sincan Prison Compound.
Figen Yüksekdağ attended the trial and stated that the files of the cases on Ağrı and Van courts (which are
consolidated with the one in Ankara) are given to her one day before the trial. The court decided on continuation of
detention for Yüksekdağ on the grounds that ‘the defence is not completed and juridical control conditions are not
sufficient’ and adjourned the trial to July 6, 2018.
The case against HDP Istanbul PM and former co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş for ‘insulting the President’ on Bakırköy
Penal Court of First Instance No 38 is held on May 17, 2018. Selahattin Demirtaş did not attend the trial with the
excuse that he stands for June 24, 2018 election. The court decided that Selahattin Demirtaş should be brought to the
court in case he would still be arrested and adjourned the trial to December 5, 2018.
(05/171) Detained Journalist in Kocaeli…
It is learned that Gülşen Koçuk, former employer of Özgürlükçü Demokrasi newspaper to which a trustee was
appointed, is detained in Darıca district of Kocaeli on May 17, 2018. It is learned that Gülşen Koçuk was taken to
Istanbul and was released after procedures at the police.
(05/172) Academician on Trial in Ankara for Social Media Posts…
The case against academician Cenk Yiğiter, who was dismissed from Ankara University by the state of emergency
decree, for ‘insulting the President’ on Ankara Penal Court of First Instance No 20 started to be held on May 17,
2018. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to October 4, 2018.
(05/173) Journalist on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The final trial of the case against Aydın Atar, former executive editor of Azadiye Welat newspaper (closed down by
the state of emergency decree) for ‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation’ on news reports in 9 issues of the
newspaper published in 2012 and 2013, on Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 7 is held on May 17, 2018. The court
sentenced Aydın Atar to 7 years and 7 months and then reduced the penalty to 6 years and 4 months on the grounds
that the penalty would settle him down.
(05/174) People on Trial in Adana for Protesting Soma Massacre…
The final trial of the case against people detained by the police intervention to a march in Adana on May 16, 2014,
on Adana Penal Court of First Instance No 11 is held on May 17, 2018. The court sentenced 11 people to jail
penalties differing from 1 year and 2 months to 1 year and 8 months for ‘opposing to the law on meetings and
demonstrations’, and ‘preventing the public officers from their duty’. On May 13, 2014, 301 mine workers died due
to a fire in a pit in Soma and on May 16, 2014 people in Adana attempted to a march in Atatürk Park to protest the
incident, and numerous people were detained due to police intervention with rubber bullets.
(05/175) Elections on June 24, 2018….
It is learned that Şenel Bozkurt and Ferdi Aydemir, who were arrested by the court on May 8, 2018 for the armed
assault to İYİ Party’s electoral campaign stand in Bağcılar district of Istanbul on May 6, 2018, are released due to
objections. Bakırköy Penal Court of Peace No 3, released 2 defendants on juridical control conditions and with a ban
on leaving the country based on the withdrawal of complaints and on the objections.
(05/176) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
46 of 211 people who were detained in operations covering 52 cities through two different investigations on May 11,
2018, are arrested by Istanbul Court of Peace on duty on May 17, 2018. 7 people are released on juridical control
18 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 21
conditions. It is reported that 158 people are still under custody.
It is learned that 3 of 14 people who were detained in operations covering 4 cities through a Bolu based investigation
on May 16, 2018, are arrested by the court, 5 of them are released on juridical control conditions and with a ban on
leaving the country, on May 17, 2018. It is reported that 6 people are still under custody.
On May 17, 2018, 37 people are detained in operations covering 22 cities through an Ankara based investigation. It
is learned that a warrant was issued for 64 more people through the same investigation.
(05/177) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against 39 people for the incidents on Kartal Bridge during July 15 coup attempt, on
Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 23 is held on May 17, 2018. The court sentenced 14 people to heavy life penalty for
‘attempting to demolish the constitutional order’ and reduced the penalty to life sentence for 8 people based on good
conduct time. The court sentenced 5 people to 15 years and 3 months in total for ‘incitement to bodily harm’, 6
people to 12 years in total for ‘bodily harm’. The court sentenced 4 people to 10 years and 6 months for each for
‘being an illegal organisation member’ and separated the cases of 10 people.
19-21 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/178) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from news coverage of May 17, 2018 that 4 militants died in a clash between security forces and HPG
militants in rural areas of Bingöl on December 2, 2017.
On May 20, 2018, 2 soldiers died in an explosive attack during the passage of a military vehicle in rural areas of
Doğubeyazıt districy of Ağrı.
(05/179) Civilian died in Hakkari…
It is learned from news coverage of May 15, 2017 that HPD takes the blame for death of Kadir Aslan, who was
found shot in the head, on road to Oğul village of Hakkari on May 12, 2018.
(05/180) University Students Attacked in Ankara…
On May 18, 2018, 3 students of Ankara University were attacked by a racist group, after attending a press
declaration at Cebeci Campus to protest Israeli attack to PAlesitinians on May 16, 2018. It is reported that 3 students
got injured by clubs and sharp objects.
(05/181) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that a prisoner named Dilan Uludağ in Balıkesir Kepsut Prison
was subjected to physical violence of the wardens. It is reported that Dilan Uludağ’s demand to get a medical report
was rejected due to “doctor’s not being at the office”.
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that an ill prisoner named Mehdi Boz was subjected to physical
violence of the wardens and the gendermaire due to rejecting undressed search at the entrance of Elazığ T Type
Prison where he was transferred to, and then was taken to a padded cell and was taken to a single cell after being
kept there for 5 hours. It is reported in the news that Mehdi Boz’s rib cage was damaged due to physical violence and
he was not being cured.
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that İdris Yılmaz, executive editor of Gazete Yaşam newspaper
(published in Erciş district of Van) was being kept in a single cell in Elazığ High Security Prison No 1, for four
months, and no radio or television was given to him, and his letters to newspappers about the violations of rights he
experienced were being cencored.
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that a political prisoner named Rıfkiye Belpınar, who was put
together with ordinary prisoners in Denizli Bozkurt Women’s Open Prison, was being threatened by other prisoners.
19-21 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 22
It is claimed in the news that the prison administration responded Rıfkiye Belpınar’s demand for precaution by
stating “There are relatives of martrys among prisoners. We cannot guarantee your security for this reason”.
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that political prisoners in Bayburt M Type Prison, who was forced
to detailed search before visits, did not attend the visits to protest the forced search.
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that political prisoners in Mardin E Type Prison do not see their
lawyers for 3 months due to the reason that lawyer visits were being recorded as auido and video footage.
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that a prisoner named Oğushan İnce in Bafra Open Prison was
threatened by the wardens as “You cannot stay here with a beard like Marxist Leninists. We will send you to closed
prison if you do not shave it, we will shave it forcefully”.
(05/182) Prisoner Being Prevented from Right to Health…
It is learned from news coverage of May 19, 2018 that Süreyya Bulut, a prisoner with tuberculosis in Bakırköy
Women’s Prison was not being medically treated and suffficient precautions to prevent communication of the disease
were not taken. It is claimed in the news report that the wardens responded other prisoners as following “We do not
believe unless she splits a full washbowl of blood. Should she stay here more, and transmits the disease to all of you,
all of you get tuberculosis and then we will take her out”, after being called upon Bulut’s condition getting serious
and spitting blood. It is reported that Süreyya Bulut was taken to the hospital afterwards.
(05/183) Hunger Strike in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that prisoners who went on a hunger strike on March 31, 2018 in
İzmir Kırıklar F Type Prison No 2, demanding that the violations of rigths should end in prison, quitted the strike on
May 14, 2018 after the prison administration asserted that the problems will be resolved.
(05/184) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on May 18, 2018 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader
Abdullah Öcalan’s sister and brother 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. With the last rejection, it was the 76th time
that appeals for visiting Öcalan have been rejected since September 11, 2016.
(05/185) Coercion to Uniforms and Reactions Against This…
The press declaration of TAYAD (Prisoner’s Families’ Solidarity Association) members attempted to be held in
Samandağ district of Hatay on May 19, 2018 against uniform coercion in prisons is prevented by the police on the
grounds that the declaration was “not permitted”.
(05/186) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 18, 19, and 20, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 18, 2018, 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Mehmet Dersulu and Armağan Özbaş) and at 18.00 4 people (Nazan
Bozkurt, Gülnaz Bozkurt, 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
May 19, 2018, 2 people (Alev Şahin and Gülnaz Bozkurt) and at 18.00 3 people (Alev Şahin, Gülnaz Bozkurt and
Bülent Özgül) were detained.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 20, 2018, 2 people (Nazan Bozkurt and Alev Şahin) and at 18.00 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Acun Karadağ and
Gülnaz Bozkurt) were detained.
19-21 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 23
Thus in total 17 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 18, 19,
and 20, 2018. It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/187) Police Intervention Against Petititon Stand in Istanbul…
The police intervened the petition stand opened in Sultangazi district of Istanbul, to protest Mehmetçik Elementary
School’s administration which keeps collecting money from students and turns the school yard into a toll car park,
and detained 4 people including 3 teachers and 1 parent (Adem Kalpak, Celal Şahin, Gaffar Yıldırım and Serdar
Çelik). A teacher named Döne Cevher was also detained after her house being raided. It is learned that 5 detainees
were released the same day after procedures at the police.
(05/188) Police Intervention Against a Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the protest of Cemal Yıldırım, who was dismissed by the state of emergency decree, in
Sakarya Street in Ankara on May 19, 2018 and torn apart the blank placard he holds. It is reported that the police did
not detain Cemal Yıldırım and told him he could sit without holding the placard.
(05/189) Detained Students in Ankara…
On May 20, 2018, 5 students of Ankara University (Şaban Çoban, Uğur Çelik, Ayşe Teke, Fevzi Taş and Atakan
Ata) are detained in house raids. It is reported that the detainees are taken to Ankara Police Headquarters, although
the reason for detention is unknown.
(05/190) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 18, 2018, 18 people in operations covering 14 cities through an Ankara based investigation (on the leakage
of Commissars’ Exam in 2011 questions to illegal organisation members), 23 military members on active duty in
operations covering 16 cities through a Hatay based investigation.
8 of 16 people detained through an Erzincan based investigation are arrested by the court on May 18, 2018. 8 people
are released on juridical control conditions.
23 of 73 people who were detained on May 6, 2018 through an İzmir based investigation, are arrested by the court on
May 19, 2018. 8 people are released on juridical control conditions. Thus the number orf arrestees rised up to 50, and
the number or released people on juridical control conditions rised up to 11. 12 people were sent to different cities
due to investigations on them.
On May 20, 2018, Cihan Kayaalp, former sub-governor of Boztepe, who was dismissed by the state of emergency
decree and has a finalized jail sentence, is detained in Kuşadası district of Aydın while attempting to illegally flee
abroad.
(05/191) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against 65 defendants about incidents on Tuzla Orhanlı Highway Entrances during July 15
coup attempt, on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 28 is held on May 18, 2018. The court sentenced 6 defendants to
heavy life penalty for ‘attempting to demolish the constitutional order’ and 57 defendants (military academy
students) to life penalty. The court acquitted 2 defendants.
(05/192) Elections on June 24, 2018…
It is learned that banners of HDP are damaged by anonymous people in İzmir on May 17, 2018.
It is learned from news coverage of May 18, 2018 that in Hozat district of Tunceli, district Gendarmeire Command
sent a writ to the Election Board and stated that it is permitted to have ballots in only 3 villages.
On May 18, 2018, a racist group attempted to attack the stand of HDP members in Sakarya Street in Ankara’s
Çankaya district. It is reported that nobody was injured and HDP members continue to the campaing after the attack
attempt.
It is learned from news coverage of May 19, 2018 that Hakkari Governorate and Hakkari Election Board have
applied to Supreme Election Committee, in order to consolidate the ballots of 123 villages and neighbourhoods in 31
or 32 ballots.
19-21 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 24
On May 20, 2018 a group of 20 people (alleged to be MHP members) attacked İYİ Party stand at Üsküdar Square in
Istanbul. It is learned that 1 member of İYİ Party is injured. It is claimed in the news report that AKP Üsküdar
district chair has visited the people detained for attack at the police station.
On May 20, 2018, 4 people attacked the campaign stand of HDP in Bakırköy district of Istanbul. Nobody got injured
due to attack and members at the campaign stand made an offical complaint about 4 attackers.
(05/193) Special Security Zone in Şırnak…
Şırnak Governorate made a declaration on May 17, 2018 and announced that 5 areas with given coordinates in
Beytüşşebap district are special security zones starting from May 18, 2018 to June 1, 2018.
22 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/194) Person Died Due to Being Hit by a Police Armoured Vehicle in Kilis…
On May 21, 2018, a person named Halil İbrahim Karakaş, who was driving the motorcycle that was hit by a police
armoured vehicle in Kilis, died. Halil İbrahim Karadaş’s grandson H. İ. K. (14) got injured.
(05/195) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned that 2 soldiers died and 2 soldiers got injured in a clash between security forces and HPG militants,
during the military operation in Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on May 21, 2018.
(05/196) Prisoner’s Right of Health Prevented…
It is learned from news coverage of May 21, 2018 that Mehmet Emin Okdem, a prisoner with schizophrenia and also
have 80% disability, in Rize L Type Prison, is not taken to hospital and the required medicine is not given to him.
(05/197) Journalist Threatened by Police in Istanbul…
It is learned from news coverage of May 21, 2018 that the police stopped journalist İrem Afşin, while having a
general criminal record check at Şişhane subway station in Istanbul, for her kaffiyeh on her neck and said that her
clothing is inconvenient. It is claimed on the news report that a police officer shouted “Be careful not to be cut in a
hidden corner” after İrem Afşin.
(05/198) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 21, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 21, 2018, 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Meral Gökoğlu and Eser Budak) and at 18.00 3 people (Nazan Bozkurt,
Acun Karadağ and Gülnaz Bozkurt) were detained.
Thus in total 6 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 21, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/199) PM’s Passport Seized…
CHP İstanbul PM Eren Erdem’s passport is seized, due to the ban on leaving the country by Istanbul Heavy Penal
Court No 35, at the airport on May 21, 2018, where he was to depart for Germany. It is learned that the ban was
based on the approval of the indictment by Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 35. The indictment demands jail penalty
for Eren Erdem up to 22 years for ‘aiding an illegal organisation on purpose whereas not being a member of it’,
‘deciphering anonymous witness’ and ‘violating the privacy of the investigation’.
(05/200) Co-Mayor on Trial…
The final trial of the case against 3 people including Emrullah Cin, co-mayor of Viranşehir district of Van, on Urfa
Heavy Penal Court No 5 is held on May 21, 2018. The court sentenced Emrullah Cin to 7 years 3 months and 15
22 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 25
days in total for ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and ‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation’. The court
also released Emrullah Cin on juridical control conditions along with the verdict. The court sentenced 2 people
(Şeyhmus Çakırtaş and Halil Akbaş) to 1 year and 3 months each for ‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation’
and postponed the sentences.
(05/201) Revolutionary Party Members on Trial in Istanbul…
The final trial of the case against 5 members of Revolutionary Party (Halil Sönmez, Yasin Aydın, Murat Can Emir,
Selim Polat and Ahmet Sebat) on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 is held on May 21, 2018. The court acquitted 5
members of Revolutionary Party for the attacks to Yeni Akit and Yeni Şafak newspapers, and sentenced them to jail
penalties differing from 5 years to 16 years and 6 months for attending the funerals and press declarations organized
for militants who died in clashes with ISIS in Syria.
(05/202) Person on Trial for Social Media Posts in Hatay…
The final trial of the case against literature teacher Gülizar Işık, who was dismissed by the state of emergency decree,
for her social media posts is held on May 21, 2018. The court sentenced Gülizar Işık to 1 year and 3 months for
‘insulting Turkish nation, Republic of Turkey, and the institutions and organs of the state’ and deferred the
announcement of the verdict.
(05/203) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
24 of 211 military members on active duty who were detained through an Istanbul based investigation are arrested
by the court on May 21, 2018. 7 people are released on juridical control conditions. With the last arrests, the number
of arrestees raised up to 70 and the number of released people on juridical control raised up to 14 in total. It is
learned that 127 people are still under custody.
(05/204) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against 12 defendants (including former police chief Mithat Aynacı) for the incidents on
Esenler Birlik Bridge and Istanbul Police Headquarters during July 15 coup attempt, on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court
No 13 is held on May 21, 2018. The court sentenced 10 defendants (including Mithat Aynacı) to heavy life penalty
for ‘violating the constitution’ and 1 defendant to life penalty. The court separated the case of 1 defendant.
The final trial of the case against 36 defendants (18 of them are arrested) including former Brigadier General Murat
Soysal, for the incidents in Armoured Brigade Command No 5 during July 15 coup attempt, on Gaziantep Heavy
Penal Court No 8 is held on May 21, 2018. The court sentenced Murat Soysal and 1 more defendants to heavy life
penalty for ‘violating the Constitution’, 1 defendant to 18 years and 9 months for ‘being an illegal organisation
member’ and ‘providing the information on state security’, and 1 defendant to 7 years and 6 months for ‘being an
illegal organisation member’. The court acquitted 3 defendants and separated the cases of 29 defendants.
The final trial of the case against 280 defendants on İzmir Heavy Penal Court No 2 is held on May 21, 2018. The
court sentenced 104 defendant including military officers and generals to heavy life penalty for ‘violating the
Constitution’. The court sentenced 2 repentant defendants to 16 years and 8 months. The court sentenced 31
defendants to jail penalties differing from 7 years and 6 months to 20 years for several accusations. The court
separated the cases of 143 defendants.
The final trial of the case against a former police officer dismissed by the state of emergency decree, on Gaziantep
Heavy Penal Court No 10 is held on May 21, 2018. The court sentenced the former police officer to 9 years and 4
months and 15 days for ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
(05/205) IYI Party Member Arrested in Istanbul…
Kerim Çoraklı, social media employee of IYI Party, who was detained through “Fethullahist Terrorist Organisation
/Parallel State Organisation” investigations for his social media posts, is arrested by the court for ‘making
propaganda of an illegal organisation’ on May 21, 2018.
(05/206) Elections on June 24, 2018…
22 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 26
The demand for release made on May 15, 2018 to Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 19 by lawyers of Selahattin
Demirtaş, who nominated for presidency for elections on June 24, 2018, is rejected on May 21, 2018.
23 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/207) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from news coverage of May 22, 2018 that 7 militants died in a clash between security forces and HPG
militants in rural areas of Tunceli’s Pülümür district.
(05/208) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from news coverage of May 22, 2018 that a prisoner named Enes Taşkın, who was transferred from
Mardin E Type Prison to Bolu F Type Prison, was tried to put in a ward with prisoners judged for ISIS cases in
Sincan F Type Prison No 2, where he was kept temporarily for 3 days during the transfer. It is also learned that Enes
Taşkın was subjected to physical violence of the wardens for rejecting to be put in the same cell with ISIS prisoners.
It is reported in the news that Enes Taşkın was subjected to physical violence for rejecting undressed search and
standing in military order during roll-calls too.
(05/209) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on May 22, 2018 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader
Abdullah Öcalan’s lawyers in order to visit their client was rejected the same day on the grounds of limitations for
prisoners in accordance with the law on the execution of sentences and security measures (law no 5275). With the
last rejection, it was the 757th time that appeals for visiting Öcalan have been rejected so far. Abdullah Öcalan has
met his lawyers on July 27, 2011 for the last time.
(05/210) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 22, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 22, 2018, 5 people Acun Karadağ, Selvi Polat, Gülnaz Bozkurt, Nazan Bozkurt and Mahmut Konuk) and at
18.00 4 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Gülnaz Bozkurt, Acun Karadağ and Selvi Polat) were detained.
Thus in total 9 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 22, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/211) Medeni Yıldırım Case…
The case against Adem Çiftçi, a soldier on compulsory military service, about the killing of Medeni Yıldırım in Lice
district of Diyarbakır on June 28, 2018, on Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 7 is held on May 22, 2018. Medeni
Yıldırım was killed with a shot fired from military station during a march to protest the construction of a high
security military station in Kalecik village of Lice. The indictment demands jail penalty up to 18 years for Adem
Çiftçi for ‘killing with an eventual intent under unjust provocation’. The court rejected the demand oh Adem Çiftçi to
be excluded from hearing, and decided that the reconnaissance which was cancelled due to security reasons will be
carried on and adjourned the trial to September 2018.
The earlier acquittal verdict of Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 7 was reversed by Gaziantep Regional Court Penal
Department No 1.
(05/212) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
The case against journalist Ahmet Şık based on Article 301 of Turkish Penal Code, for his social media posts, on
Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 17 is held on May 22, 2018. After Ahmet Şık’s defence the court adjourned the trial
to September 18, 2018.
23 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 27
(05/213) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this
crime!”…
The cases against 3 academicians (Yıldız Silier, Ayşen Candaş Bilgen and Elif Aysimi Duman) 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’ started to be held on May 22, 2018. The court adjourned the trials of Ayşen Candaş Bilgen and
Elif Aysimi Duman to October 12, 2018 and adjourned Yıldız Silier’s trial to September 27, 2018.
The cases against Noemi Clause Matilde Levy and Ayşe Neşe for the same reason on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No
27 started to be held on May 22, 2018. The court rejected the demands for immediate acquittal and consolidation,
and adjourned the trials to November 1, 2018.
(05/214) HDP PM on Trial…
The case against HDP Kars PM and spokesperson Ayhan Bilgen, for HDP central executive board’s call for Kobanî
which was attacked by ISIS, on Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 5 is held on May 22, 2018. Ayhan Bilgen did not
attend the trial, and the lawyers demanded consolidation of the case with the case on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No
19 against HDP former co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş for the same reason. The court decided to send a writ to Ankara
Heavy Penal Court No 19 to ask whether a consent is needed or not and adjourned the trial to October 2018.
(05/215) Van Co-Mayor on Trial…
The case against Van co-mayor Bekir Kaya and municipality employees Cuma Köylüoğlu, Çetin Çiftçi, Zelal Tanlı,
Mehmet Halim Eryiğit, Can Tayan, and MEYA-DER (Mesopotamia Solidarity Association for Missing People’s
Families) executive İdris Şaybak and Neriman Uyar, on Van Heavy Penal Court No 2 is held on May 22, 2018.
Bekir Kaya attended the trial via sound and vision system. After defence hearings the court decided to consolidate
two indictments of Van Heavy Penal Court No 1 for Bekir Kaya, and to continue detention for Bekir Kaya and
adjourned the trial to June 19, 2018.
(005/216) People on Trial for Reacting to Military Operation to Afrin…
The case against 13 people including 11 arrestees, for the press declaration of Peace Block and Anti-War
Coordination in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on January 21, 2018, to protest Turkish Armed Forces’ operation to
Afrin, on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 is held on May 22, 2018. After defence hearings the court released 11
arrestees and adjourned the trial to October 3, 2018. The names of released people are: Koray Türkay, Şengül
Yüksel, Ulaş Değerliyüz, Cezmi Özdemir, Özge Akyüz, Fatma Akaltun Fırat, Ali Karakaş, Ramazan Utku, Savaş
Tirbap, Ali Bozkurt and Nurullah Ay.
The case against Kutay Meriç, Halkevleri central executive board member, for his social media posts on Turkish
Armed Forces’ operation to Afrin started to be held on May 22, 2018 in Antalya. The court acquitted Kutay Meriç.
Kutay Meriç was detained on February 13, 2018 and was arrested on February 20, 2018. Upon objection he was
released on February 28, 2018.
The case against Fatma Gün and Erdinç Kırova, members of EMEP (Labour Party) for their social media posts on
Turkish Armed Forces’ operation to Afrin, on Balıkesir Heavy Penal Court No 3 started to be held on May 22, 2018.
The court acquitted 2 defendants.
(05/217) Newspaper Employee on Trial in Mersin…
The final trial of the case against Özkan Erdoğan and Serkan Erdoğan, employees of Özgürlükçü Demokrasi
newspaper, for ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and ‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation’ on Mersin
Heavy Penal Court No 8 started to be held on May 22, 2018. The court acquitted 2 defendants for both accusations.
(05/218) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 22, 2018, Zeki Güven, former chief of Intelligence Department of Ankara Police and his wife Sevda Güven,
former judge, are detained in Eskişehir. 18 people in operations covering 6 cities through an Aydın based
investigation are detained.
23 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 28
8 of 13 colonels who were detained on May 14, 2018 through an Ankara based investigation are arrested by the court
on May 22, 2018. 5 people are released on juridical control conditions. With the last arrests, the number of arrestees
raised up to 21 and the number of released people on juridical control conditions raised up to 9.
It is learned that 9 pilots of Turkish Air Force, who were among 56 people detained on May 17, 2018 through an
Ankara based investigation, are released by the court on juridical control conditions for being repentant.
(05/219) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trials of the separate cases against 7 people for leaking the questions of Public Personnel Selection
Examination in 2010, on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 2 are held on May 22, 2018. The court sentenced 6
defendants to 6 years and 3 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court also sentenced 2 defendants
to 3 years 1 month and 15 days and to fine penalty for ‘chain fraud towards public institutions’. The court acquitted 1
defendant.
The final trial of the case against 10 defendants (including 1 arrestee) on Eskişehir Heavy Penal Court No 4 is held
on May 22, 2018. The court sentenced 8 defendants to jail penalties differing from 3 years 1 month and 15 days to 6
years and 10 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court released the arrestee with the verdict and
separate the cases of 2 fugitive defendants.
(05/220) Elections on June 24, 2018…
On May 22, 2018, a racist group attempted to attack the campaign stand of HDP members in Konur Street in
Çankaya district of Ankara. It is reported that the campaign continued after the scene was resolved.
(05/221) Special Security Zone in Hakkari…
Hakkari Governorate made a declaration on May 22, 2018 and announced that 30 areas with given coordinates in
Central, Çukurca, Şemdinli and Yüksekova districts are special security zones from May 24, 2018 to June 7, 2018.
(05/222) Strike Postponed by Council of Ministers…
The strike decision of Petrol-İş (Petroleum, Chemical and Rubber Workers Union of Turkey) in several workplaces
of Soda Industry Inc. İn Adana and Mersin, is postponed by the Council of Ministers’ decision dated May 17, 2018
and numbered 2018/11832 on the grounds that it violates national security. The decision is published on official
gazette on May 23, 2018. Thus the number of banned strikes in several industry branches since July 20, 2016, the
announcement of state of emergency, raised up to 7.
24 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 29
24 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/223) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
On May 23, 2018, 1 village guard got injured in a bombing attack near Gümüşgörü village of Batman’s Kozluk
district.
It is learned from news coverage of May 23, 2018 that 2 militants died in a clash between security forces and HPG
militants in rural areas of Şemdinli district of Mardin on May 20, 2018.
(05/224) Prisoner Prevented from Right to Health…
It is learned from news coverage of May 23, 2018 that Özlem Demirçi, a prisoner with multinodular thyroid disease
in İzmir Şakran Prison cannot have medical checks for 6 months due to being forced to be examined in handcuffs.
(05/225) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 23, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 23, 2018, 4 people (Acun Karadağ, Nazan Bozkurt, Selvi Polat and Mahmut Konuk) and at 18.00 3 people
(Gülnaz Bozkurt, Nazan Bozkurt and Selvi Polat) were detained.
Thus in total 7 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 23, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/226) Municipal Council Member Detained in Şırnak…
Ahmet İmre, municipal council member from DBP in Fındık town of Şırnak’s Güçlükonak district is detained by a
house raid on May 23, 2018. It is learned that Ahmet İmre was taken to district police headquarters however the
reason for detention is unknown.
(05/227) Military Member on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The case against specialist sergeant S. K., who caused death of Pakize Hazar (85), for ‘causing death involuntarily’
on Lice Penal Court of First Instance is held on May 23, 2018. A private soldier, who was in the armoured car that
hit Pakize Hazar, is heard as witness. The court accepted the demand of Veysi Hazar, son of Pakize Hazar, to
intervene the case and adjourned the trial to June 6, 2018.
Pakize Hazar died due to being hit by the armoured car driven by specialist sergeant S. K., on Mümin Ağa Street
which was closed to traffic, in Lice district of Diyarbakır on June 14, 2017.
(05/228) HDP PM’s on Trial…
16 years and 8 months’ sentence given by Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 8 to HDP Diyarbakır PM İdris Baluken
for ‘being an illegal organisation member’, ‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation’ and ‘opposing to the law
on meetings and demonstrations’ is approved by Gaziantep Regional Court Penal Department No 4. With the
approval 9 years and 2 months’ penalty is finalised. The verdict of 7 years and 6 months’ jail penalty for ‘being an
illegal organisation member’ is not finalised since it could still be brought to the Supreme Court.
(05/229) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this
crime!”…
The cases against 6 academicians (Assist. Professor Seda Altuğ Bulut, Seval Gülen, Assoc. Professor Zeynep
Kadirbeyoğlu, Professor Oya Köymen, Professor Ayşe Nüket Eralp ve Asoc. Professor Meltem Toköz) 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’ continued to be held on May 22, 2018. After defence hearings the court adjourned 6 trials to
October 8, 2018.
24 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 30
(05/230) Journalists on Trial in Hatay…
The case against Erdoğan Alayumat and Nuri Akman, reporters of DİHABER which was closed down by the state of
emergency decree, for ‘providing classified state information for political and military spying purposes’ and ‘being an
illegal organisation member’, on Hatay Heavy Penal Court No 2, continued to be held on May 23, 2018. After
defence hearings the court released Erdoğan Alayumat on juridical control conditions and adjourned the trial to
October 19, 2018.
(05/231) Journalist on Trial in Muş…
The case against İdris Sayılğan, reporter of DİHABER which was closed down by the state of emergency decree, On
Muş Heavy Penal Court No 2 is held on May 23, 2018. After defence hearings the court decided to continue
detention for İdris Sayılğan and adjourned the trial to October 5, 2018.
(05/232) Journalist on Trial in Ağrı…
The case against journalist Abdulhalik Kaya on Ağrı Heavy Penal Court No 2, continued to be held on May 23,
2018. After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to September 24, 2018.
(05/233) Magazine Employee on Trial in Adana…
The case against Fahrettin Kılıç, an employee of Özgür Toplum magazine, on Adana Heavy Penal Court No 13,
continued to be held on May 23, 2018. After defence hearings the court decided to continue detention for Fahrettin
Kılıç and adjourned the trial to September 18, 2018.
(05/234) People on Trial for Reacting to Military Operation to Afrin…
The final trial of the case against a person named Recep Özdemir, for his social media posts on Turkish Armed
Forces’ operation to Afrin, on Antep Heavy Penal Court No 7 is held on May 23, 3018. After defence hearings the
court sentenced Recep Özdemir to 4 years and 6 months for ‘making propaganda of an illegal organisation’. Recep
Özdemir was detained on February 12, 2018 and was arrested on February 19, 2018.
(05/235) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 23, 2018 13 people including former employees of ministries of ministry of family and social policies and
of economy in Ankara, 15 people including military members on active duty in operations covering 9 cities through
an Izmir based investigation are detained.
5 of 11 colonels who were detained on May 14, 2018 and following days through an Ankara based investigation are
arrested by the court on May 23, 2018. 6 colonels are released on juridical control conditions.
9 of 20 people who were detained through a Malatya based investigation are arrested by the court on May 23, 2018.
9 people are released on juridical control conditions.
Cihan Kayaalp, former sub-governor (dismissed by the state of emergency decree) who were detained on May 20,
2018 in Kuşadası district of Aydın, is arrested by the court on May 23, 2018.
(05/236) Journalists on Trial in Istanbul…
The case against journalist Nazlı Ilıcak on Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 26 on the claim that she shared classified
material which was removed from Turkish Presidency of General Staff records and annihilated on her “Military
Intelligence and Tahşiye Group” article on Bugün newspaper published on January 2, 2015, continued to be held on
May 23, 2018. Nazlı Ilıcak attended the trial via sound and vision system from the prison and made her defence. The
court accepted intervention demand of the Ministry of National Defence and adjourned the trial.
(05/237) Elections on June 24, 2018…
It is learned from news coverage of May 23, 2018 that 9 members of HDP (People’s Democratic Party) members
who were detained on May 20, 2018, after the tension between AKP (Justice and Development Party) members and
HDP members in campaign stand in Esenyurt district of Istanbul, are released by juridical control conditions. It is
stated in the news report that, HDP members were subjected to verbal and physical violence of the police in Esenyurt
Bağlarçeşme police station, and the lawyers were prevented to see the detainees. İdris Dinar, one of the detainees,
24 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 31
stated as following: “There was no security camera in the kitchen of the police station so they beat us there. We were
9 people including a female friend. They swear at us. They said ‘Are you men? You will stand up in line when you
see a police from now on. HDP is a traitor, and you are traitors. Are there any martyrs in your family?’. We were
handcuffed from behind; they did not want us to see their faces. They beat us in turns.”
It is learned that, during the opening of election campaign office of HDP in Bağlar district of Diyarbakır, 3 people
(Muhammet Olgaç, Nadir Bingöl and 1 unknown person) are detained by the police using physical violence.
25 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/238) Child Got Injured Due to Gunfire from a Police Armoured Vehicle in Muş…
On May 24, 2018, V. T. (10, male), a child who was playing in front of his house got injured due to a shot fired from
a police armoured vehicle in Muş. It is learned that V. T. who was taken to Muş Public Hospital, is still under risk of
death. Muş Governorate made a declaration on the incident and stated that, the gun on top of the vehicle was fired
accidentally due to the vehicle’s hitting a ditch and 3 personnel were suspended due to the incident.
(05/239) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned that 2 village guards died and 3 village guards got injured in a bombing attack to a vehicle carrying
village guards in rural areas of Şemdinli district of Hakkari on May 24, 2018.
It is learned that 1 soldier got injured in a clash between security forces and HPG militants during the military
operation after curfew in Lice and Hani districts of Diyarbakır on May 24, 2018.
(05/240) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on May 24, 2018 to chief public prosecutor’s office in Bursa by PKK leader
Abdullah Öcalan’s lawyers in order to visit their client was rejected the same day on the grounds of limitations for
prisoners in accordance with the law on the execution of sentences and security measures (law no 5275). With the
last rejection, it was the 758th time that appeals for visiting Öcalan have been rejected so far. Abdullah Öcalan has
met his lawyers on July 27, 2011 for the last time.
(05/241) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration of public labourers who had been dismissed by a state of emergency
decree and have been struggling for a while to regain their jobs, intended to be held in front of Human Rights
Monument in Yüksel Street on May 24, 2018 at 13.30 and 18.00.
It was reported that during police intervention against the press declaration which was planned to be held at 13.30 on
May 24, 2018, 4 people (Nazan Bozkurt, Selvi Polat, Perihan Pulat and Deniz Yılmaz) and at 18.00 2 people (Nazan
Bozkurt and Selvi Polat) were detained.
Thus in total 6 people were detained due to press declaration intended to be held in Yüksel Street on May 24, 2018.
It is learned that detainees were released the same day.
(05/242) Kulp Case…
The case against defendants including Yavuz Ertürk, Bolu Alpine Commando Brigadier then, on causing to 11
people’s being missing in Kulp district of Diyarbakır, on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 7 is held on May 24, 2018.
The prosecutor declared legal opinion on the case and demanded the case for ‘create a criminal organization for the
purpose of engaging in criminal activity’ to be dropped due to statute of time limitation and demanded acquittal of
the defendants for other accusations. The court rejected the demand of defender attorneys for Yavuz Ertürk’s arrest
ad adjourned the trial to September 19, 2018.
(05/243) HDP MP on Trial…
25 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 32
The case against HDP (People’s Democratic Party) İzmir MP Ertuğrul Kürkçü, for 2 speeches he made in Mersin in
2012, on Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 8, continued on May 24, 2018. The prosecutor demanded acquittal for
Ertuğrul Kürkçü. The court acquitted Ertuğrul Kürkçü based on no elements of crime is present.
(05/244) The Cases Against Academics Who Are the Signatories of the Petition “We will not be a party to this
crime!”…
The cases against 5 academicians (Assist. Professor İbrahim Yaman, PhD Murat Yılmaz, Assoc. Professor A. Ö. M.,
Professor Şemsa Özar, and Z. C. A.) 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’ started to be held on May 24, 2018.
After defence hearings the court adjourned 3 trials to September 25, 2018 and 2 trials to October 12, 2018.
(05/245) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On May 24, 2018, 22 people including military members on active duty in operations covering 13 cities through an
Adana based investigation, and 1 person with a warrant in Çanakkale are detained.
12 of 21 people, including Silivri and Sason district gendarmerie commanders, who were detained through an Ağrı
based investigation are arrested by the court on May 24, 2018. 9 people are released on juridical control conditions.
(05/246) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against arrested defendants Ali Osman Kayha, former police chief of Bursa, İbrahim
Saydam, former director of Tax Administration Directorate of Bursa, Yusuf Ziya Levendoğlu, former deputy of
Local Health Authority of Bursa and 1 defendant on Bursa Heavy Penal Court No 2, is held on May 24, 2018. The
court sentenced 3 arrested defendants to jail penalties differing from 6 years and 3 months to 8 years 1 month and 15
days for ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court separated the case of other defendant.
The final trial of the case against 4 defendants on Malatya Heavy Penal Court No 2 is held on May 24, 2018. The
court sentenced 1 defendant to 6 years and 3 months for ‘being an illegal organisation member’, 2 defendants to 2
years and 1 month for ‘aiding an illegal organisation’. 1 defendant who utilized effective remorse law is sentenced to
1 year 10 months and 15 days.
The final trials of the separate cases against 2 defendants on Malatya Heavy Penal Court No 1 are held on May 24,
2018. The court sentenced 1 defendant to 6 years and 3 months and 1 defendant to 10 years for ‘being an illegal
organisation member’.
The final trial of the case against a former teacher who was dismissed by the state of emergency decree, on Kırşehir
Heavy Penal Court is held on May 24, 2018. The court sentenced the defendant to 8 years and 9 months for ‘being an
illegal organisation member’.
The final trial of the case against 1 defendant on Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 16 is held on May 24, 2018. The
court sentenced the defendant who utilized effective remorse law, to 1 year 6 months and 22 days.
(05/247) Elections on June 24, 2018…
The demand for release made on May 15, 2018 to Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 19 by lawyers of Selahattin
Demirtaş, who nominated for presidency for elections on June 24, 2018, has been rejected by the court. The appeal
to the supreme court to object the court’s decision was also rejected on May 24, 2018.
The flags of HDP (People’s Democratic Party) held on HDP election campaign office for women in Kızıltepe district
of Mardin, were lifted by the police on May 24, 2018 on the grounds that they were “contrary to legislation”.
It is learned from news coverage of May 24, 2018 that, in a meeting organised by Aksaray Governorate on security
of the election, as a response to HDP Aksaray co-chair’s question regarding the attacks against HDP, Aksaray Police
Headquarters Security Department Deputy told “I am a side of elections. I will not let you hold the signboard in this
city”.
(05/248) Curfew in Lice…
25 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report 33
Diyarbakır Governorate made a declaration on May 24, 2018 and announced a curfew on 15 villages and 25 hamlets
of Lice, as of May 24, 2018 21.00 until further notice. The villages and hamlets under curfew are: Şenlik, Birlik,
Abalı, Erginköy, Tuzlaköy, Çeper, Daralan, Duruköy, Güçlü, Örtülü, Saydamlı, Bayırlı, Yamaçlı, Kıralan, Dernek
villages; Elmadere, Ağılçık, Akçapınar, Ayaz, Şakan, Boyluca, Dahlık, Alikahya, Hacımusabey, Kutlamış, Vilu,
Arpacık, Karadere, Sivritepe, Körtan, Körha, Seyrek, Silkito, Sumaklı, Zıraht, Acımeşe, Mengüsi, Puneyn, Çalıbükü,
Kijikbadem hamlets.
(05/249) Curfew in Hani…
Diyarbakır Governorate made a declaration on May 24, 2018 and announced a curfew on 8 villages and 17 hamlets
of Hani, as of May 24, 2018 21.00 until further notice. The villages and hamlets under curfew are: Kaledibi,
Akçayurt, Topçular, Y. Turalı, Kalaba, Uzunlar, Serenköy, Kırım villages; Başaklı, Güzelce, Taşburun, Karapilyari,
Mezartarlası, Sıraevler, Horsel, Çay, Damlatepe, Uysal, A. Turalı, Gürbulak, Veziri, Aka, Karmen, Mazılı, Çağıl
hamlets.
Article Sources and Contributors 34
Article Sources and Contributors
04 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3566 Contributors: Desde
07 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3567 Contributors: Desde
08 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3590 Contributors: Desde
09 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3569 Contributors: Desde
14 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3570 Contributors: Desde
15 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3571 Contributors: Desde
16 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3572 Contributors: Desde
18 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3573 Contributors: Desde
19-21 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3574 Contributors: Desde
22 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3575 Contributors: Desde
23 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3577 Contributors: Desde
24 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3578 Contributors: Desde
25 May 2018 Daily Human Rights Report Source: http://www.tuerkeiforum.net//enw/index.php?oldid=3579 Contributors: Desde