Human Rights Foundation of Turkey Documentation CenterDaily Human Rights Report

October 2020
Reports of 1-5, 9-14 and 23 October are missing
6 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/061) Murdered Women…
According to the report issued by We Will Stop Femicide Platform on October 1, 2020, at least 16 women were
murdered by men, and 20 women were found dead suspiciously in September 2020 in Turkey.
According to Male Violence Monitoring Report of Bianet issued on October 6, 2020, at least 20 women and 4
children were murdered by men in September 2020. It is also stated in the report that men inflicted violence
on at least 97 women, abused 20 children, raped 19 women and harassed 18 women in the same month. In the
first nine months of 2020, men killed at least 206 women.


(10/062) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
Ministry of Interior made a declaration on October 5, 2020 and announced that 1 gendarmerie personnel died
and 2 gendarmerie personnel got wounded in a clash between security forces and HPG militants in Doğubayazıt
district of Ağrı.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 5, 2020 that 3 HPG militants died in an air operation of Turkish
Armed Forces in Hassa district of Hatay.
(10/063) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 5, 2020 that 4 prisoners (Elif Deniz, Melek Evren, Ronahi Sırdaş,
Filiz Işık) in Mardin E Type Closed Prison were transferred under coercion to Diyarbakır Women’s Closed Prison
on October 2, 2020.
(10/064) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declarations which were made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back
Protest” going on for 1427 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 5, 2020 at
18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/065) Detained People Through the Investigation Against DTK in Diyarbakır…
14 people including Eğil district co-mayor, city council members, former Siirt MP, a journalist and members and
executives of political parties and unions were detained in house raids in Diyarbakır, through the investigation
against Democratic Society Congress (DTK) in Diyarbakır on September 30, 2020. 1 of detainees (Ömer Fitiloğlu,
Sur district city council member from Peoples’ Democratic Party) is released by the court with a ban on leaving
the country and judicial control conditions and 1 person (Diyarbakır Forestation Association chair Günen Yalnıç)
is released by the court on judicial control conditions on October 5, 2020.
4 people were arrested on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ while 8 people were released
on judicial control conditions on October 2, 2020.
(10/066) Arrested Member of Grup Yorum Band in Istanbul…
It is learned that Grup Yorum music band member Dilan Ekin who was detained on a warrant in Esenyurt
district of Istanbul on October 4, 2020 is arrested by the court on October 5, 2020.
(10/067) Investigation Against People Who Were Subjected to Police Violence in Istanbul…
On August 19,2020, 2 people (Rana Batı and Zeynep K.) were subjected to verbal and physical violence of the
police in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on August 19, 2020; on the grounds of not wearing face masks. It is learned
from the news coverage of October 5, 2020 that Istanbul Anadolu Public Prosecutor’s Office prepared an
indictment against 2 people, and demanded jail sentence from 2 years and 15 days to 9 years and 4 months for
Rana Batı, on the charges of ‘subsequently resisting to prevent public duty’, ‘subsequently insulting a public
officer’, and jail sentence from 1 year and 5 months to 4 years and 1 month for Zeynep K. on the charge of
‘subsequently insulting a public officer’.
It is reported that the investigation against 2 police officers on the charges of ‘misuse of public duty’, ‘excessive
use of force’, ‘sexual assault’ and sexual harassment’ was closed on the grounds of non-prosecution decision.
Istanbul Governorate’s Office has declared that 2 police officers were suspended however they were given
back to duty on August 21, 2020.
(10/068) Investigation Against People for Participating in 1 September International Day of Peace March in
2
Urfa…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 5, 2020 that an investigation was initiated against 16 people
for participating in 1 September International Day of Peace march in Urfa. People subjected to investigation
are: Democratic Regions Party (DBP) executive board member Bekir Karageçili, Peoples’ Democratic Party
(HDP) Urfa provincial co-chairs Emine Çetiner and Mikail Gözek, provincial executives Hasan Yıldız, Lütfi Hazer,
Ferit Tamga, Haliliye district co-chair Hatice Göktepe, Urfa city council members İsmail Kaplan, Sıtkı Dursun,
Mahmut Bektaş and Selma Ateş, Education and Science Workers’ Union Urfa branch co-chair Mahmut Binici,
HDP Urfa MP Ayşe Sürücü’s advisor Beritan Sayan, Mehmet Oğur, İsmail Karadağlı and Ömer Yıldırım.
(10/069) KKP Executive on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The final trial of the case against Yaşar Kazıcı, executive board member of Communist Party of Kurdistan (KKP),
on the charge of ‘provoking hatred and hostility among people’ in his speech at the protest against
appointment of a trustee to Diyarbakır Municipality on August 19, 2019, is held at Diyarbakır Penal Court of
First Instance No 10 on October 5, 2020. The court acquitted Yaşar Kazıcı.
(10/070) Prevention of Politicians from Sweden from Visiting Selahattin Demirtaş in Prison…
A delegation of Sweden Left Party chair Jonas Sjöstedt, Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Lotto Johnson Formarve
and Sweden Left Party Foreign Relations Director H. Erik Metz Swernaling was not allowed to have a visit to
former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş in Edirne F Type Prison on October 5, 2020.
(10/071) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 57 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,603 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 5, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 8,498 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 326,046
as of October 5, 2020.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 5, 2020 that, numerous prisoners were being kept in
quarantine for testing positive for Covid-19, in Maraş Elbistan E Type Closed Prison. The number of prisoners
and their health conditions are unknown. It was claimed that Muhammed Emir, a prisoner who died at Elbistan
District Hospital on October 2, 2020 has died from Covid-19.
7 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/072) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 6, 2020 that 4 prisoners (Cumali Yıldırım, Feyyaz Gülsoy, Ali
Saday and Emrah Kına) who were transferred from Kırşehir E Type Prison to Kayseri Bünyan T Type Prison No 1
on September 16, 2020, were subjected to physical violence of the wardens for they reject to strip search at
the entrance of prison and that they were threatened by wardens saying “You know how we would kill you if
we take off our uniforms”.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 6, 2020 that, Kervan Bayhan, a prisoner in Diyarbakır High
Security Prison No 2 were subjected to physical violence of the wardens and his foot was broken due to
violence.
(10/073) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declarations which were made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back
Protest” going on for 1428 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 6, 2020 at
18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/074) Detained Journalists in Van…
On October 6, 2020, Mezopotamya news agency reporters Adnan Bilen and Cemil Uğur, Jinnews agency
reporter Şehriban Abi, Nazan Sala, and former distributor of Yeni Yaşam newspaper Şükran Erdem are detained
in house raids in Van.
Cemil Uğur has reported the news on allegation of 2 people thrown out of a helicopter after being detained in
Çığlıca hamlet of Çatak district of Van.
(10/075) Police Search in a News Agency Office…
It is learned that the police searched the office of Mezopotamya news agency in Van, through the investigation
in which reporters of the agency are detained. It is learned that the police seized cameras and other material in
the office.
(10/076) Detained District Council Member in Urfa…
On October 6, 2020, İsmail Kaplan, Suruç district council member from Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) is
detained in house raids in Urfa. The reason of detention is unknown. It is learned that İsmail Kaplan is restricted
for 24 hours from seeing his lawyer.
(10/077) Detained Journalist, and Members and Executives of ESP and SGDF…
3
On October 6, 2020, 19 people including Şahin Tümüklü, co-chair of the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP);
Alev Özkiraz, co-chair of Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF), HDP Party Assembly member Helin
Yılmaz and Etkin news agency reporter Pınar Gayıp are detained in house raids in Istanbul through an
investigation against ESP and SGDF.
It is learned that the reason of detention is a funeral that these 19 people have attended.
Names of detained people learned so far are: Şahin Tümüklü, Alev Özkiraz, Pınar Gayıp, Helin Yılmaz, Hüseyin
İldan, Çınar Altan, Ömer Sinan, Hıdır Yılmaz, Emrah Topaloğlu, Zeynep Gerçek, İbrahim Gerçek, Ela Deniz
Albayrak, Özge Doğan, Nazlı Yöyler, Şükran Yaren Tuncer, Neslihan Duran, Birkan Polat, Muhammed Bedran
Çoğaltay, Gamze Toprak.
(10/078) Detained People in Urfa…
On October 6, 2020, 11 people including Peace Mothers are detained in house raids in Urfa. The reason of
detention is unknown. It is learned that 11 people are restricted for 24 hours from seeing their lawyers.
Detained people are: Peace Mothers Hadle Oğur, Fatma Akbaş, Adalet Çay and Meyaser Kokmaz, Cebrail Oğur,
Ömer Bozdal, Deniz Ağaçgöz, Celal Altun, Kader Delikan and Aynur Delikan.
(10/079) Detained Human Rights Association Deputy and Other People in Ağrı…
On October 6, 2020, Human Rights Association (IHD) Ağrı deputy Atilla Özbay and Confederation of Public
Employees Trade Unions member Emin Yıldız, Kamuran Barışer and Memiş Aras are detained in house raids in
Ağrı.
(10/080) Detained HDP Executive in Siirt…
HDP provincial executive Sıdık Örenç is detained in a house raid in Siirt on October 6, 2020. The reason of
detention is unknown.
(10/081) Detained People in Şırnak…
On October 6, 2020, 4 people (Arif Geren, Cemal Geren, İdris Kayaalp and Zindan Molo) are detained in house
raids in Cizre district of Şırnak. The reason of detention is unknown.
(10/082) Detained Person in Antalya…
On October 6, 2020, 1 person (Halil Kılıcı) is detained in Antalya. The reason of detention is unknown.
(10/083) Detained People in Mardin…
3 of 13 people who were detained through a Mardin based investigation are arrested by the court on October
6, 2020. 10 people are released.
Arrested people are: Sami Özgüç, Harum Bozyiğit and Mazlum Bozyiğit.
(10/084) Former HDP Co-Chair on Trial…
The trial of the case against former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş is held at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 19
on October 6, 2020.
The indictment demands sentence for Selahattin Demirtaş on the charges of ‘establishing and leading an illegal
organisation’, ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and ‘praising offence and offender’.
The court did not accept the excuse of Selahattin Demirtaş for not joining the trial and granted last time for
defence, adjourning the trial to March 16, 2021.
(10/085) Journalist on Trial for ‘Insulting the President’ in Diyarbakır…
The trial of the case against journalist Hakkı Boltan, on the charge of ‘insulting the President’ in the press
declaration in Kurdish that he made about Rohat Aktaş, is held at Diyarbakır Penal Court of First Instance No 12
on October 6, 2020. Rohat Aktaş was former editor in-chief of Azadiya Welat newspaper and died during
curfews in Cizre district of Şırnak in 2016. The court adjourned the trial to December 24, 2020.
(10/086) Murat Daşkan Case…
The final trial of the case against police officer B. O., on the charge of ‘killing with a probable intention’ against
Murat Daşkan, who died in the police intervention against a protest in Seyhan district of Adana on February 1,
2016; is held at Adana Heavy Penal Court No 1 on October 6, 2020.
The court acquitted the defendant police officer on lack of evidence.
(10/087) Ban of Access to Websites and Web Contents…
It is learned that https://www.rudaw.net/turkish website is banned to access by Balıkesir Penal Court of Peace
on October 6, 2020.
It is learned that the news report “Be careful about provocateurs during Armenia-Azerbaijan war… The best
response is from Hrant Dink”, published on https://odatv4.com/ is banned to access by Istanbul Anadolu Penal
Court of Peace No 7 on October 6, 2020.
The news reports and web contents about Şeyda Yılmaz, who died after suspiciously falling off a residence in
Ataşehir district of Istanbul on September 17, 2020, published on https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/,
https://onedio.com/ and https://eksisozluk.com/ websites are banned to access by Istanbul Anadolu Penal
Court of Peace No 6 on October 6, 2020.
(10/088) Ban of Events in Batman…
4
Batman Governorate made a declaration on October 6, 2020, and announced that open-door and in-door
meetings, demonstrations, press declarations, opening tents and stands, delivering leaflets and so on are
banned for 15 days as of October 7, 2020.
(10/089) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On October 6, 2020, 18 people including judges and prosecutors who were dismissed by state of emergency
decrees and lawyers are detained through an Ankara based investigation on administrative jurisdiction exam in
2013; and 15 people are detained in Ankara.
(10/090) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 55 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,511 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 6, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 8,553 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 327,557
as of October 6, 2020.
8 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/091) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 7, 2020 that, 3 militants died in a clash between security forces
and HPG militants in rural areas of Hakkari on September 15, 2020.
(10/092) Person Wounded Due to Explosion of Ammunition in Diyarbakır…
It is learned that a person named Mehmet Yıldız got wounded due to explosion of an ammunition that he
found while he was grazing his herd in Gökçe rural neighbourhood of Lice district of Diyarbakır on October 7,
2020. It is learned that Mehmet Yıldız was first taken to Lice Public Hospital and then was admitted to another
hospital at Diyarbakır city center.
(10/093) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 7, 2020 that, the appeal to the verdict of Bursa Office of Judge
of Execution No 2 on September 23, 3030 which restricts lawyer meetings for 6 months for PKK leader Abdullah
Öcalan, and Ömer Hayri Konar, Veysi Aktaş and Hamili Yıldırım who are kept in Imralı F Type Prison was
rejected by Bursa Heavy Penal Court No 1.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 7, 2020 that, Yekta Savaş Deli, a prisoner in Mersin Tarsus T
Type Prison, was subjected to torture and ill-treatment by wardens while he was moving into a new ward. It is
reported that Yekta Savaş Deli has rib fracture and he was taken to prison infirmary but not to a hospital.
(10/094) Person Forced to Be a Police Informant…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 7, 2020 that, a person named Medine Çeken was called in to
Yakacık Police Station Anti-Terror Department in Kartal district of Istanbul on September 23, 2020, in relation to
her son who lost his life in Syria on October 14, 2019; and she was forced to be a police informant there.
Medine Çeken had a press declaration at Human Rights Association (IHD) Istanbul Office and stated the
following: “They asked me when my son left. And I told them when he left and when he died as a martyr. Then
they said ‘we want you to help us’. I asked them what they wanted me to help about. They said ‘We could not
stop your son leaving, help us to stop other young persons to leave’. I said, ‘I cannot help, I would help my son
if I could do so, there is nothing I can do fır help’. (…) And I left there telling them not to disturb me again. They
said, ‘No we will call’. (…) On October 1 they called me once again. I said, ‘I came over there, we talked and it is
over. Why are you calling again?’. They said they want to talk again. I responded, ‘I don’t’ want to talk, I will not
come’. They said ‘You will’, ‘You are nervous, calm down and come over here tomorrow’. I said, ‘I will come on
Thursday but I will not be alone’. They answered, ‘You will come alone, you have to come’.”
(10/095) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration which was made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back Protest”
going on for 1429 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 7, 2020 at 18.00 and
forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/096) Detained Co-Mayor, City Council Members, Political Party Executives and Other People in Kars…
15 of 21 people including Kars co-mayor Şevin Alaca from Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and city and district
council members who were detained in Kars on October 1, 2020 are referred to the court on October 7 and 8,
2020. 13 people are arrested; 2 people are released on judicial control conditions.
Arrested people are: Kars co-mayor Şevin Alaca, HDP Kars provincial co-chair Cengiz Anlı, Mustafa Yardımcıer,
Şengül Erkmen, Suat Bayhan, Kaya Naki, Fahrettin Kaya, Reis Baykiz, Hamit Daşdelen, Hamdi Erkmen, Medya
Tağay, Bülent Ağbaba and Ömer Albayrak.
3 people (Zorba Başkutlu, Hazal Ağdeve ve İzzet Artuğ) who has been detained through the same investigation
were arrested before while 3 people were released on judicial control conditions.
5
(10/097) Detained People in Mardin…
3 people who were detained through a Mardin based investigation are released on October 7, 2020.
(10/098) People Subjected to Penal Fine for Participating in a Protest in Mersin…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 7, 2020 that, 18 members of Mersin Women’s Platform were
fined to 3,150 Turkish Liras each according to Public Health Law No 1593, for participating in protests about
government’s plan to withdraw from Istanbul Convention Against Violence Against Women and Domestic
Violence, which were held in Mersin on August 5 and 18, 2020.
(10/099) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
The trial of the case against Can Dündar, former executive editor of Cumhuriyet newspaper for publishing the
footage of MIT (National Intelligence Service) trucks stopped in Adana and Hatay on January 19, 2014, is held at
Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 on October 7, 2020. The court decided to treat Can Dündar as fugitive and
confiscate all of his property. It is learned that Saving Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) will be appointed as a
trustee for his property. The court also decided to send a writ to the Banks Association of Turkey in order to
ascertain bank accounts of Can Dündar and to send a writ to the related banks to confiscate deposit and
checking accounts of Can Dündar in ascertained banks.
At the previous trial held on September 17, 2020, the court has decided to make an official call to Can Dündar
via newspaper ad, and to treat him as a fugitive in case he does not appear to court in 15 days, and to
confiscate his property; and adjourned the trial to October 14, 2020.
(10/100) Journalist on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The trial of the case against Ayşegül Doğan, programme director of IMC TV television channel which was closed
down by a state of emergency decree, is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 9 on October 7, 2020.
The indictment demands sentence for Ayşegül Doğan for her news reports, interviews and events she
participated in.
The prosecutor declared legal opinion on the case and demanded jail sentence from 7 years and 6 months to
15 years on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. The court adjourned the trial to December 7,
2020.
(10/101) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
The trial of the case against journalist Ceren Sözeri, upon complaint of Serhat Albayrak, Turkuvaz Media Group
Vice President of Executive Board, for the article titled “Who caused poll defeat of AKP”, is held at Istanbul
Commercial Court of First Instance No 2 on October 7, 2020. The court adjourned the trial to February 3, 2020.
(10/102) Poet on Trial in Ankara for ‘Insulting the President’…
The trial of the case against poet Ahmet Telli, on the grounds of ‘insulting the President’ in social media posts
on an account that is not his, is held at Ankara Penal Court of First Instance No 22 on October 7, 2020. After
defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to January 7, 2021.
(10/103) Investigation Against Bar Association Chair and Lawyers in Urfa…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 7, 2020 that, Urfa Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an
investigation against 26 lawyers including Urfa Bar Association chair Abdullah Öncel, for participating in the
press declaration and sit-in protest against the amendment on structure and elections of bar associations, held
in Urfa on July 7, 2020.
Layers subjected to investigation are: Urfa Bar Association Cahir Abdullah Öncel, Fazilet Taştan Arserim,
Gülistan Ayalp, Hasan Murat Umut, Hidayet Enmek, İbrahim Halil Alagöz, İbrahim Halil Durmaz, Berfin Gökkan,
İsmail Alakuş, Meliscan Güneş, Mevlut Güneş, Mustafa Aydınlık, Mustafa Vefa, Nahide Polat Aslan, Ronahi
Paydaş, Serdil İzol, Velat Karahan, Sedat Altundağ, Mihriban Çelik, Esra Altun, Ferhat Altun, Ferhat Benek, Gül
Tektaş, İbrahim Halil Öyke, Gülbeyaz Ağaç Tuncel, Ömer Elden.
(10/104) Broadcast Ban for TV Channels…
On October 7, 2020, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) issued Halk TV channel with an
administrative fine at the highest level, for expressions “Is Azerbaijan really a state? It is a clan; there is no
democracy, no law, the regime is authoritarian and there are no elections. They swim in money, but they could
not establish a proper state up to the present”, used about Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan on a
programme.
(10/105) Ban of Access to a Website…
It is learned that https://nupel.net/ website is banned to access by Diyarbakır Penal Court of Peace No 3 on
October 6, 2020.
(10/106) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On October 7, 2020, 5 people are detained through an Ankara based investigation on Deputy Chief Police Exam
in 2009; 22 people are detained in operations covering 12 cities through an Adana based investigating; 23
people are detained in operations covering 7 cities through an Antalya based investigating; 13 people including
public officers dismissed by state of emergency decrees are detained in operations covering 3 cities through an
6
Ankara based investigating.
5 people who were detained in Antalya are arrested by the court on October 7, 2020.
(10/107) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 56 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,581 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 7, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 8,609 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 329,138
as of October 7, 2020.
It is learned from data shared by Diyarbakır Chamber of Medicine on October 7, 2020 that 915 health workers
including 220 doctors, 324 nurses and delivery nurses, 1 dentist, 34 paramedics, 123 health personnel, 48
technicians, 15 automation personnel, 15 security guards, 24 public officers, 11 laboratory experts, 44 medical
secretaries in Diyarbakır were diagnosed with Covid-19, and 12 health workers lost their lives due to Covid-19.
15 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/191) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 14, 2020 that, 2 militants died in a clash between security
forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Şırnak on October 2, 2020.
(10/192) Person Died in Prison…
It is claimed in the news coverage of October 12, 2020 that, Yunus Gökgöz, who tested positive for Covid-19 in
Izmir Kırıklar F Type Prison, lost his life because he was not admitted to a hospital although he got deteriorated.
(10/193) Person Forced to be a Police Informant in Tunceli…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 14, 2020 that, a person named Servet Sonar was forced to be a
police informant by 2 people that are stated to be police officers who came to Servet Sonar’s workplace and
then call him on the phone on October 13, 2020 in Tunceli.
Servet Sonar stated the following: “Yesterday (October 13, 2020) 2 police officers came while I was working
and they said they wanted to talk to me for half an hour. (…) I said ‘Talk to me here if there is something to talk,
I am working now I am not available’. I was closing down my shop and arranging the warehouse when they
called me that day, and they said ‘Where are you? We were supposed to meet and talk’. I said, ‘What will you
talk about, there is nothing I have to tell you. I will never meet you, I don’t know who you are. Tell it to me on
the phone’. They said ‘No we want to meet you for your own good, we want to help you’. I asked ‘What do you
want from me? Are you frankly forcing me to be a police informant?’, and I told them I would make criminal
complaints against them.
(10/194) Police Intervention to a Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration on Health and Safety Labour Watch Assembly report on “Covid-19
in 7th month” which was to be held in front of Ibni Sina Hospital, Ankara on October 14, 2020 and detained 8
people by using physical violence.
It is learned that the police seized cell phone of journalist Demet Aran and gave it back to her afterwards.
(10/195) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration which was made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back Protest”
going on for 1436 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 14, 2020 at 18.00 and
forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/196) Police Raid to Idil Cultural Center and Detained Grup Yorum Members in Istanbul…
The police raided Idıl Cultural Center in Okmeydanı neighbourhood of Istanbul on October 14, 2020. It is
learned that Grup Yorum music band members Sultan Gökçek, Bergün Varan, Betül Varan, Eren Erdem and
Barış Gürses were detained by the police.
(10/197) Police Raid to TAYAD Central Office and Detained TAYAD Members in Istanbul…
The police raided central office of TAYAD (Solidarity Association of Families of Prisoners) in Nurtepe
neighbourhood of Istanbul on October 15, 2020. It is learned that TAYAD members Mehmet Güvelin, Yılmaz
Viraner and Feridun Osmanağaoğlu were detained and they were released after statement procedures on the
same day.
(10/198) Detained District Council Member in Urfa…
İsmail Kaplan, Suruç district council member from People’s Democratic Party (HDP) who was detained on
October 6, 2020 is arrested by the court on October 14, 2020.
(10/199) Detained People in Urfa…
11 people including Peace Mothers who were detained in Urfa on October 6, 2020 are referred to the court on
October 14, 2020. The court released 10 people on judicial control conditions and 1 person (Adalet Çay) on
house confinement.
7
(10/200) Detained People in Hakkari…
On October 14, 2020, 22 people including 3 disabled people are detained in house raids in Hakkari. The reason
of detention is unknown. Names of detained people learned so far are: Derviş Aydoğdu, Nimet Önal, Süleyman
Erol, Nihat Karataş, Vahit Akın, Cuma Dönmez and Rehmi Özdemir.
(10/201) Co-Mayor on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The first trial of the case against Belgin Diken, HDP co-mayor of Yenişehir district of Diyarbakır who was
suspended and replaced by a trustee, is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 9 on October 14, 2020.
Belgin Diken attended the trial and made her defence. After defence hearings the court lifted house
confinement condition for Belgin Diken and adjourned the trial to December 9, 2020.
Belgin Diken was detained on March 23, 2020 and was released on house confinement on March 24, 2020.
Ministry of Interior has appointed a trustee to Yenişehir district on November 13, 2019.
(10/202) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
The trial of the case against Can Dündar, former executive editor of Cumhuriyet newspaper for publishing the
footage of MIT (National Intelligence Service) trucks stopped in Adana and Hatay on January 19, 2014, is held at
Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 on October 14, 2020.
The prosecutor declared legal opinion on the case and demanded jail sentence from 22 years and 6 months to
35 years for Can Dündar on the charges of ‘disclosure of information that, due to its nature, must be kept
confidential for reasons relating to the security of the state for the purpose of political or military espionage’
and ‘aiding an illegal organisation without being a member of it’. The court rejected the appeal of Can Dündar’s
lawyers against the previous verdict to treat him as a fugitive and to confiscate his property; and adjourned the
trial to December 4, 2020.
(10/203) Journalist on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The trial of the case against Welat Öztekin, employee of Azadiya Welat newspaper which was closed down by a
state of emergency decree, is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 9 on October 14, 2020.
The prosecutor declared legal opinion on the case and demanded jail sentence from 1 year to 5 years for Welat
Öztekin on the charge of ‘successively making propaganda for an illegal organisation’.
(10/204) Political Party Executives on Trial in Şırnak…
The final trial of the case against HDP Cizre district co-chair Güler Tunç and Democratic Regions Party (DBP)
former Cizre district co-chair Selahattin Kolanç, for a press declaration they participated in, is held at Cizre
Penal Court of First Instance No 1 on October 14, 2020. The court acquitted 2 people.
(10/205) Person on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The first trial of the case against Rojda Barış, a member of Rosa Women’s Association, is held at Diyarbakır
Heavy Penal Court No 9 on October 14, 2020.
Rojda Barış joined the trial via sound and vision system. After defence hearings the court released Rojda Barış
and adjourned the trial.
Rojda Barış was detained on June 26, 2020 and was arrested by the court on June 29, 2020.
(10/206) Investigation Against People in Kars…
It is learned that Kars Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation against 20 people for participating in the
visit of HPD MP’s to shopkeepers in Kars on September 26, 2020, after co-mayor Ayhan Bilgen was detained. It
is reported that 20 people gave their official statements through the investigation at Kars Security Directorate
on October 14, 2020.
(10/207) Proceedings Against Parliamentary Members…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 14, 2020 that, 10 proceedings demanding lift of impunity of 6
parliamentary members from HDP are submitted to Grand National Assembly.
Parliamentary members subjected to proceedings are:
 HDP Mersin MP Fatma Kurtalan (1 proceeding)
 HDP Adana MP Tülay Hatimoğlu (1 proceeding)
 HDP Diyarbakır MP Remziye Tosun (5 proceedings)
 HDP Ağrı MP Abdullah Koç (1 proceeding)
 HDP Şırnak MP Hasan Özgüneş (1 proceeding)
 HDP Muş MP Mensur Işık (1 proceeding)
(10/208) Administrative Fine for a TV Channel…
On October 14, 2020, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTUK) issued HALK TV television channel with
administrative fine, for the expressions about Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chair during in a political
debate programme.
8
(10/209) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On October 14, 2020, 44 people are detained in operations covering 15 cities through an Istanbul based
investigation, and 16 people are detained in operations covering 8 cities through a Manisa based investigation.
(10/210) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 57 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,671 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 14, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,104 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 340,450
as of October 14, 2020.
16 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/211) Person Died Due to Fire Opened by the Police in Istanbul…
It is learned that a person named A. İ. died due to fire opened by the police intervening a quarrel in
Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul on October 15, 2020.
It is learned that 6 people including the police officer causing death of A. İ. were detained in relation to the
incident.
Istanbul Governorate’s Office made an announcement and stated the following: “While officers were
intervening two sides of the quarrel, two individuals with weapons and clubs came into the street and opened
fire randomly; and A. İ., one of those individuals who pointed his gun to a police officer, got wounded due to
fire opened by the police officer. The injured person died in hospital.”
(10/212) Soldier Died in Hatay…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that Volkan Soy, a soldier on duty at Naval Base
Command in Iskenderun district of Hatay fell ill and died in hospital.
(10/213) Person Threatened by the Police in Ankara…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that, a person named Meliha Kayhan in Ankara was
followed by persons who claim themselves as police officers in October and were threatened by them for the
events that she participated in. It is reported that Meliha Kayhan was once abducted by persons who claim to
be police officers.
(10/214) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that, prisoners who were transferred from Diyarbakır
D Type Prison to Diyarbakır High Security Prison No 2 under coercion, were subjected to torture and illtreatment during transfer and were put in solitary cells. It is also stated in the news reports that prisoners went
on a hunger strike to protest right violations and they were intervened by wardens using physical violence
which caused fracture in a prisoner’s foot.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that Bekir Kudak, a prisoner in Adana Kürkçüler Prison
was subjected to physical and verbal violence of the wardens. It is also stated in the news reports that Bekir
Kudak was being kept in a solitary cell although the quarantine period for him was over. It is reported that Bekir
Kudak’s lawyer made a criminal report against wardens who are responsible for physical and verbal violence.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that 4 prisoners were transferred on September 15,
2020 from Kırşehir Prison to Kayseri T Type Prison No 1 under coercion, for they went on a hunger strike to
protest right violations; and they were penalised with solitary cell confinement for they rejected strip search at
the entrance of the prison. It is also stated in the news reports that prisoners were subjected to physical
violence of the wardens for they reject to stand during roll-calls, they were forced to give oral reports in
military style during phone calls and the calls were cut in case they reject to do so; and that the meals given to
prisoners were of poor quality.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that, in Kayseri T Type Prison No 2, letters of
prisoners were not sent, and the newspapers they request were not given to prisoners.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that in Kayseri Women’s Prison, social, cultural and
sports rights of prisoners were prevented, the number of books that could be kept per prison is limited to 10,
letters about right violations written by prisoners addressing human rights organisations and Grand National
Assembly were not sent by prison administration for having ‘controversial expressions’, and the goods were
sold at high prices at prison commissary.
(10/215) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…
It is claimed in the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that, 7 ill prisoners (Adem Durmuş, Mazlum Dinç,
Şeyhmuz Koç, Bilal Akbaş, Şemsettin Özer, Engin Aydınalp, Ömer Çeken) in Samsun Bafra T Type Prison were
not medically treated.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 15, 2020 that prisoners in Kayseri Women’s Prison were forced
9
to be in handcuffs during medical examinations.
(10/216) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on October 15, 2020 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 the
ban for Abdullah Öcalan which prevents lawyer visits for 6 months.
(10/217) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration which was made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back Protest”
going on for 1437 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 15, 2020 at 18.00 and
forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/218) Özgür Gündem Case…
The final trial of the case against Kars co-mayor Ayhan Bilgen, who was suspended and replaced by a trustee,
for being a member of advisory board of Özgür Gündem newspaper that was closed down by a state of
emergency decree, is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 24 on October 15, 2020. Ayhan Bilgen joined the
trial from prison via sound and vision system. The court acquitted Ayhan Bilgen on the charges of ‘disturbing
unity and integrity of the state’ and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’, and separated the case on
the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
(10/219) Former Co-Mayor on Trial…
The final trial of the case against Cengiz Kök, former co-mayor of Nusaybin district of Mardin, is held at Mardin
Heavy Penal Court No 4 on October 15, 2020. The court sentenced Cengiz Kök to 6 years and 3 months on the
charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
Cengiz Kök was arrested on January 13, 2017 and was released from prison on December 15, 2017.
(10/220) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
The trial of the case against journalist Sabiha Temizkan, for a social media post in 2014, is held at Istanbul
Heavy Penal Court No 35 on October 15, 2020. The court adjourned the trial to October 22, 2020.
(10/221) Journalists on Trial in Istanbul…
The trial of the case against Mezopotamya News Agency reporters Sadık Topaloğlu and Sadiye Eser is held at
Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 22 on October 15, 2020.
The indictment demands sentence for 2 journalists on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
The court decided to lift judicial control conditions on journalists, to continue the ban on leaving the country
and to return seized digital material, and adjourned the trial to March 9, 2021.
(10/222) Journalists on Trial in Istanbul…
The final trial of the case against executive editor Yılmaz Yıldız, and editor in chief Ishak Yasul of Özgürlükçü
Demokrasi newspaper which was closed down by a state of emergency decree, is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal
Court No 26. The court sentenced Ishak Yasul to 10 months on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal
organisation’, and did not postpone the sentence. The court decided to separate the case against Yılmaz Yıldız.
(10/223) Person on Trial in Van…
The final trial of the case against Fadıl Barıştıran, for his expressions “Hemu şehide Kürdistanê ra El Fatiha (AlFatihah for all martyrs of Kurdistan)” at the commemoration for Yunus Emre Şen who lost his life in Suruç
Massacre, is held at Van Heavy Penal Court No 7 on October 15, 2020. The court sentenced Fadıl Barıştıran to 1
year on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’.
(10/224) Prevention of HDP Committee in Muş…
The committee of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) members including Muş MP Şevin Coşkun who wants to
survey wildfires in Kolan village of Varto district of Van on October 15, 2020, are prevented from entering the
village by gendarmerie, on the grounds of continuing military operation in the area.
(10/225) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 66 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,693 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 15, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,080 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 342,143
as of October 15, 2020.
It is learned that 2 health workers (pharmacy technician Hüseyin Seyirt and ambulance driver Hasan Onur) died
from Covid-19 on October 15, 2020.
17 – 19 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/226) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 16, 2020 that, 2 militants died in a clash between security
forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Şırnak on September 28, 2020.
10
(10/227) Person Died in Prison…
It is learned that ill prisoner Mustafa Barış Avıalan lost his life in Ankara Sincan F Type Prison on October 15,
2020. It is reported that the appeal made for suspension of execution of Mustafa Barış Avıalan was rejected on
August 7, 2020.
(10/228) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 16, 2020 that, 2 prisoners (Nesim Kaplan and Mehmet Şakir
Erol) who were transferred from Şırnak Prison to Mersin Tarsus T Type Prison No 2 under coercion on
September 25, 2020, were subjected to physical violence of the wardens, and they were not allowed to take
personal belongings. It is claimed in the news reports that 2 prisoners who have been in “the unaffiliated” ward
in Şırnak Prison, were transferred to Tarsus T Type Prison No 2 for they demanded to change their wards.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 16, 2020 that, petitions of prisoners in Maraş Türkoğlu L Type
Prison No 1 was not put into process, packages sent to prisoners were not delivered, the meals given to
prisoners were not hygienic, and prisoners were not given blankets.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 16, 2020 that, despite of Covid-19 pandemic, 54 prisoners
were kept in a ward for 16 people in Konya E Type Prison and that the meals given to prisoners were not
hygienic.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 16, 2020, despite of Covid-19 pandemic, 20 prisoners were
kept in a ward in Izmir Şakran Women’s Prison.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 17, 2020 that, in Maraş Türkoğlu L Type Prison No 1, a ward
was contaminated with sewage leak and some prisoners got sick due to this.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 17, 2020 that, despite of Covid-19 pandemic, 17 prisoners
were kept in a ward for 12 people, and water given per person was limited to 70 litres.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 17, 2020 that, in Balıkesir Bandırma T Type Prison No 2, the
food given to prisoners was inadequate, wards were not disinfected against Covid-19, prisoners were not given
the newspapers they request and their radios were seized.
(10/229) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 16, 2020 that, Mehmet Şakir Erol, a prisoner who was
transferred from Şırnak Prison to Mersin Tarsus T Type Prison No 2 under coercion on September 25, 2020, was
not medically treated.
(10/230) Police Intervention to a Protest in Manisa…
The gendarmerie intervened the mine workers who want to march from Manisa to Ankara for their rights to
compensation on October 17, 2020, and detained 31 workers including Independent Mine Workers Union
organizers Başaran Aksu and Kamil Kartal. Detained people are released after statement procedures on the
same day.
(10/231) Police Intervention to a Protest in Düzce…
The police detained Türkan Albayrak and Volkan Çeşme, who made a press declaration in Düzce on October 16,
2020, for architect Alev Şahin who have been having sit-in protests in Düzce to regain her job from which she
was dismissed by a state of emergency decree. 2 people are released after statement procedures on the same
day.
Alev Şahin was detained in Düzce on August 13, 2020 and were arrested on August 22, 2020. 5 more people
(Acun Karadağ, Nazan Bozkurt, Mehmet Dersulu, Armağan Özbaş and Mahmut Konuk) who were detained
through the same investigation were also arrested, and 1 person (Gülnaz Bozkurt) was released on judicial
control conditions. Nuriye Gülmen, another participator of “I Want My Job Back” protests, were detained in a
police raid to Idil Cultural Center, and was arrested on August 11, 2020.
(10/232) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration which was made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back Protest”
going on for 1440 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 18, 2020 at 13.30 and
18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/233) Detained District Council Member in Mersin…
Salih Akbaş, district council member from People’s Democratic Party (HDP) in Akdeniz district in Mersin, is
detained in Mersin on October 16, 2020. The reason of detention is unknown.
(10/234) Detained ESP Members in Istanbul…
It is learned that 4 members (Hülya Gerçek, Havva Cuştan, Gamze Toprak, Mahir Cem Sel) of Socialist Party of
the Oppressed (ESP) are detained by the police on the grounds that they hold photographs and flowers in
hand, after a commemoration at Gazi Cemevi in Istanbul on October 18, 2020.
(10/235) Detained SGDF Members in Ankara…
Yücel Yavuz and Devrim Taylan Eryılmaz, members of Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF) are
detained in Ankara on October 16, 2020. The reason of detention is unknown.
11
(10/236) Detained Executives of HDP and DBP in Antalya…
4 people [Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Party Assembly member Hazal Taş, HDP Party Assembly member
Ferit Yılmaz, HDP Antalya provincial executives Değer Yorgun and Osman Metindir] who were detained in
Antalya on October 12 and 13, 2020, are released by the court on judicial control conditions on October 16,
2020.
(10/237) Detained People in Hakkari…
2 of 18 people [İsmail Önal (76) and Fatma Sevmiş (50)] including 5 disabled people who were detained in
Hakkari on October 14, 2020, are arrested by the court on October 18, 2020. 16 people are released on judicial
control conditions. It is learned that Fatma Sevmiş felt ill after arrest decision and was admitted to a hospital.
(10/238) Detained People in Mersin…
5 people (Şahize Akbaş, Aziz Akbaş, İlhan Akbaş, Esma Bakır and Ramazan Bakır) are detained in house raids in
Mersin on October 16, 2020. The reason of detention is unknown. It is learned from the news coverage of
October 18, 2020 that, lawyers who went to Mersin Security Directorate to visit Esma Bakır and Ramazan Bakır,
were not allowed by the police saying “Other lawyers have been called on according to Code of Criminal
Procedure. They will not be visited by you”.
(10/239) Detained People in Şırnak…
On October 18, 2020, 4 people (Nebi Uysal, Cihat Basan, Zişan Basan and 1 more person) are detained in house
raids in Şırnak. The reason of detention is unknown.
(10/240) Former HDP Co-Chair on Trial…
The trial of the case against former HDP co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ, on the grounds of ‘insulting the President’ in
her declaration about arrest of journalists Can Dündar and Erdem Gül, is held at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No
10 on October 16, 2929. Figen Yüksekdağ joined the trial from prison via sound and vision system. After
defence hearings the prosecutor declared legal opinion on the case and demanded jail sentence from 1 year to
4 years for Figen Yüksekdağ. The court adjourned the trial to November 12, 2020.
(10/241) Ipek Er Case…
The first trial of the case against specialised sergeant Musa Orhan, for sexually assaulting a child (Ipek Er) and
driving her suicide, is held at Siirt Heavy Penal Court No 1 on October 16, 2020.
The indictment demands jail sentence for Musa Orhan on the charge of ‘sexual assault’.
It is learned that 46 lawyers and journalists were not allowed in the courtroom according to the court’s
restriction for Covid-19 pandemic. Musa Orhan joined the trial from Ankara via sound and vision system. It is
learned that Musa Orhan did not make his defence on his right to remain silent.
The court adjourned the intervention request of Ipek Er’s family and Ministry of Family and Social Policies, and
rejected the intervention request of bar associations, human rights organisations and women associations. The
court adjourned the trial to February 25, 2021.
Ipek Er committed suicide after she was subjected to sexual assault by specialised sergeant Musa Orhan, and
lost her life in hospital on August 18, 2020. Musa Orhan was arrested on the same day, but he was released
upon his lawyer’s appeal on August 25, 2020.
(10/242) Police Officer on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The first trial of the case against police officer H. A., for causing death of Cihan Can, is held at Diyarbakır Heavy
Penal Court No 11 on October 16, 2020.
Police officer H. A. joined the trial from Sivas via sound and vision system and made his defence. It is learned
that H. A. stated the following: “It was raining and was dark on the day of incident, I felt a quake in the vehicle
while I was turning from the street with busy traffic, and I thought that it was caused by a piece of wood since
there was a bake house nearby. When I felt a bigger quake, I stopped the vehicle and when I got off I saw a
person lying under the back wheel. I drove the vehicle for about 3 meters, because of the fear I got. The speed
of the vehicle was really low at the time of incident; I accept the offence charged in this way”. Lawyer of Cihan
Can’s family demanded that the indictment should be returned and the court should send the case to a heavy
penal court on the grounds of decision of non-jurisdiction. It is learned that the court did not allow the
complainant’s lawyer to verbally express their demands and said “I will not listen to you here (…) If you have
demands and requests submit them in written. I will conduct the judging in this manner”. The court rejected
the demand for decision of non-jurisdiction and sending the case to a heavy penal court, and adjourned the
trial to January 15, 2021.
Cihan Can lost his life after being hit by a police vehicle driven by police officer H. A. on Turgut Özal avenue in
Diyarbakır on December 27, 2019.
(10/243) Investigation Against a Person for ‘Insulting the President’…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 18, 2020 that, an investigation on the grounds of ‘insulting the
President’ was initiated against a person named Serhat Yıldırım for a cartoon he shared on social media, and
that he gave his official statement at Istanbul Anadolu Public Prosecutor’s Office Press Offences Bureau.
12
(10/244) Ban of Access to Web Contents…
It is learned that access to the news reports on an impostor who claims himself as a judge, a prosecutor or a
member of National Intelligence Service, published on https://odatv4.com/,
https://www.milligazete.com.tr/ websites are banned by Access Providers Association (ESB) on October 13,
2020.
It is learned that a news report about a company which was hired by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
without tender, published on https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/ website is banned to access by Ankara Penal
Court of Peace No 4 on October 14, 2020.
It is learned that the news reports about former chair of Justice and Development Party (AKP) youth branch in
Urfa, published on https://www.sozcu.com.tr/, https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/,
https://www.gercekgundem.com/ websites are banned to access by Urfa Penal Court of Peace No 1 on
October 14, 2020.
It is learned that news reports about tax exemption to Kalyon Holding that got the tender of railway
construction, published on https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/, https://www.evrensel.net/,
https://www.birgun.net/ websites are banned to access by Beykoz Penal Court of Peace on October 14, 2020.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 18, 2020 that, access to 354 websites were banned by
Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BIK) upon Diyarbakır Governorate Office’s demand.
(10/245) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On October 16, 2020, 14 people including military members on active duty are detained in operations covering
8 cities through a Balıkesir based investigation.
(10/246) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case known as “Cosmic Room investigation” against 82 people is held at Ankara Heavy
Penal Court No 2 on October 16, 2020. The court sentenced 3 defendants to 10 years each, 13 defendants to 7
years and 6 months each, 9 defendants to 6 years and 3 months each, 1 defendant to 3 years 1 month and 15
days, 1 defendant to 2 years and 6 months, and 1 defendant to 2 years and 1 month, on the charge of ‘being an
illegal organisation member’. The court acquitted 54 people.
The final trial of the case against Hüsnü Çalmuk, former judge of “Ergenekon Case” is held at Istanbul Heavy
Penal Court No 13 on October 16, 2020. The court sentenced Hüsnü Çalmuk to 10 years on the charge of ‘being
an illegal organisation member’.
(10/247) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 73 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,812 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 16, 2020.
Ministry of Health declared that 71 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,723 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 17, 2020.
Ministry of Health declared that 72 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,815 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 18, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,296 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 347,493
as of October 18, 2020.
It is learned that 5 health workers (Van Research and Training Education automation worker Ferhat Gencer,
Kırıkkale Postgraduate Education Hospital worker Harun Dönmez, workplace physician Salih Kanlı, delivery
nurse Yasemin Çolak, and physician Turan Yıldırım) died from Covid-19 on October 16 and 17, 2020.
20 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/248) Allegation of Forced Disappearance in Istanbul…
It is learned that no news was received from Bahtiyar Fırat since October 14, 2020, who went to Istanbul
Airport to depart for Iran on that day.
Esra Fırat, spouse of Bahtiyar Fırat, stated the following: “My husband went to Istanbul Airport to take the
flight to Tahran at 01.15 with flight number TK 0878. After he went through passport check and while he was
waiting for the flight, police officers have come near him. The police have told him, ‘You are under custody, we
will take you to the intelligence service’. They made him wait at the airport for 3 hours. During that waiting, the
plane has already left the airport, and the police have told him ‘it was a misunderstanding, you can go now’ and
released him. My husband called me as soon as he gets a taxi to get back to home. He said, ‘I got on a taxi now.
There are four cars surrounding the taxi. They are following me. I am circled by four cars, two of them are on
both sides, one is before and the other is behind us. They did this to make me miss the flight. The intelligence
service interrogated me. If you cannot hear from me, go to the prosecutor’ (…) I know that they have my
husband. Because we went to the prosecutor’s office and the prosecutor told the lawyers that National
13
Intelligence Service may have him, and that they would release him and we should be patient.”
It is learned from the news coverage that an investigation is to be initiated by the prosecutor’s office.
(10/249) Suspicious Death of a Prisoner…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 19, 2020 that, Serkan Tumay (27), a prisoner in Kırıkkale F Type
Prison lost his life on October 17, 2020. It is stated in the news reports that Serkan Tumay has been subjected
to physical violence and that caused his death.
Hakan Tumay, his brother, stated the following: “My brother has said ‘my life is not secured’ while we were
talking earlier. We made a criminal complaint to Manisa Public Prosecutor’s Office lastly, and they said they
would be concerned with that. My brother was sharing a 3 persons’ ward with one prisoner, and this person
has lately said ‘The wardens are beating your brother’. My brother’s arm was broken and there were several
fractures on his body due to being beaten. They took him to a hospital following our complaints and
applications. And then they separated my brother with his ward-mate because he was giving information to us.
They put my brother alone in a ward. Yesterday, prison administration has reached my mother, saying ‘come
and get your funeral’. It is stated as ‘ordinary forensic death’.”
It is learned that an investigation was initiated by Kırıkkale Public Prosecutor’s Office and the surveillance
camera footage will be inspected.
(10/250) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 19, 2020 that, Mazlum Güzel who was transferred from Şırnak
Prison to Antep Islahiye Prison under coercion on September 25, 2020 was subjected to physical violence of the
wardens during transfer. It is also reported that Mazlum Güzel was put in a solitary quarantine cell, and he was
subjected to verbal violence of the wardens for he rejects to stand up during roll-calls, he was not given
cleaning supplies to be protected form Covid-19 pandemic, his needs from prison commissary was not met and
he was kept in the quarantine cell although it has been over 14 days. It is learned that his lawyers made a
criminal complaint against the wardens on duty. Mazlum Güzel stated the following through his lawyers: “I
have been beaten for minutes by 3 wardens in Şırnak Prison. The wardens were saying ‘You will see the power
of the state. We will teach you what the state is. You are terrorists’, threatening and insulting me while they
were beating.”
(10/251) Police Intervention to a Protest in Karaman…
The gendarmerie prevented the mine workers who want to march from Güneyyurt town of Ermenek district of
Karaman to Ankara for their rights to compensation on October 19, 2020. It is learned that mine workers
started a sit-in protest. It is reported that workers were not allowed to set up tents and to sleep in the park at
night, on the grounds of ‘disturbing public order’.
(10/252) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration which was made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back Protest”
going on for 1441 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 19, 2020 at 13.30 and
18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/253) Detained SGDF Members in Ankara…
Yücel Yavuz and Devrim Taylan Eryılmaz, members of Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF) who were
detained in Ankara on October 16, 2020, are arrested by the court on the charge of ‘being an illegal
organisation member’ on October 19, 2020.
(10/254) Detained Newspaper Distributor in Van…
Mikail Tunçdemir, former distributor of Yeni Yaşam newspaper is detained at Van Provincial Security
Directorate where he went to give official statement on October 19, 2020. Mikail Tunçdemir is released on
October 20, 2020.
(10/255) Detained People in Şırnak…
Nebi Uysal, Mahmut Belge and Hasan Belge, 3 of 6 people who were detained in Şırnak on October 18, 2020
are released after statement procedures on October 19, 2020. It is reported that 3 people (Cihat Basan, Zişan
Basan, Dilan Basan) are still under custody.
(10/256) Investigation Against Co-Mayor…
On October 19, 2020 Mardin co-mayor Ahmet Türk who was suspended and replaced by a trustee, gave his
official statement through the investigation on Kobanê protests in 2014. Ahmet Türk gave his statement to
Ankara Public Prosecutor’s Office via sound and vision system, and he was then referred to Ankara Penal Court
of Peace No 5 demanding judicial control conditions on the charge of ‘disturbing unity and integrity of the
state’. Ahmet Türk is released by the court with a ban on leaving the country.
(10/257) Police Officer on Trial in Istanbul…
The trial of the case against police officer Murat A., on the grounds of hitting and breaking the back of lawyer
Zeycan Balcı, during a press declaration on March 30, 2016 in front of Istanbul Court House, is held on Istanbul
14
Penal Court of First Instance No 22 on October 19, 2020.
The indictment demands sentence for Murat A. on the charges of ‘injury’, ‘intentional injury that cause bone
fracture’, ‘extensive use of force’. It is stated in the expert report that “It is understood that, during the
intervention by the prosecutor’s order against lawyers of Istanbul Bar Association having a sit-in protest in
front of Istanbul Courthouse, suspect police officer M. A. excessed the limit of using force and kicked Balcı, and
injured her to cause bone fracture”.
The defendant police officer accepted that the person circled in the photograph submitted in the expert’s
report was himself. The court decided to re-hear witness İsmail Güvendiren and adjourned the trial to
December 28, 2020.
(10/258) Dismissal of Judges and Prosecutors…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 19, 2020 that, 11 judges and prosecutors are dismissed from
their duties by the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, on the grounds of ‘having connection and cohesion with
an illegal organisation’.
(10/259) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 75 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,958 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 19, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,371 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 349,519
as of October 19, 2020.
21 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/260) Allegation of Torture and Ill-Treatment in Diyarbakır…
It is claimed in the news coverage of October 20, 2020 that, Faris Türk and Hanım Türk, 2 people whose house
in Kayapınar district of Diyarbakır was raided by the police, were attacked by police dogs and subjected to
physical violence of the police. It is learned that Faris Türk was detained by the police and was taken to AntiTerror Department of Diyarbakır Security Directorate.
(10/261) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 20, 2020 that, in Ağrı Patnos Prison, the food and water given
to prisoners were dirty, and prisoners were not regularly given face masks, cleaning supplies and disinfectants
to be protected from Covid-19.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 20, 2020 that, 70 prisoners in Diyarbakır D Type Prison were
decided to be transferred to Diyarbakır High Security Prisons No 1 and 2 under coercion, and transfer
procedures has started on October 18, 2020.
(10/262) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration which was made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back Protest”
going on for 1442 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 20, 2020 at 13.30 and
18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/263) Detained District Council Member in Mersin…
Salih Akbaş, district council member from People’s Democratic Party (HDP) in Akdeniz district in Mersin, who
was detained in Mersin on October 16, 2020, is released after statement procedures at the police on October
20, 2020.
(10/264) Detained Executive of EMEP in Kocaeli…
On October 20, 2020, Fevzi Yaşar, district executive of Labour Party (EMEP) is detained for his social media
posts, in a house raid in Darıca district of Kocaeli.
(10/265) Detained People in Mersin…
2 of 5 people (Şahize Akbaş and Aziz Akbaş) who was detained in house raids in Mersin on October 16, 2020,
are released after statement procedures at the police on October 20, 2020.
(10/266) Co-Mayors on Trial in Mardin…
The trial of the case against Nilüfer Elik Yılmaz, HDP co-mayor of Kızıltepe district; and Gülistan Öncü, HDP comayor of Savur district, is held at Mardin Heavy Penal Court No 2 on October 20, 2020.
Nilüfer Elik Yılmaz and Gülistan Öncü joined the trial from prison via sound and vision system.
After defence hearings the court decided to continue detention of Nilüfer Elik Yılmaz and Gülistan Öncü and
adjourned the trial to January 14, 2021.
The Ministry of Interior appointed sub-governors as trustees to Kızıltepe (on November 4, 2019) and to Savur
(November 16, 2019). Gülistan Öncü was detained on November 15, 2019 and was arrested on November 26,
2019. Nilüfer Elik Yılmaz was detained on December 12, 2019 and was arrested by the court on December 16,
2019.
15
(10/267) Former Co-Mayor on Trial…
It is learned that the verdict of the local court acquitting Gültan Kışanak, former co-mayor of Diyarbakır, in the
case where she was charged with ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ in her expressions at a press
conference, is reversed by Penal Department No 6 of the Court of Cassation.
(10/268) Journalist on Trial in Ağrı…
The trial of the case against Abdullah Kaya, reporter of Dicle News Agency which was closed down by a state of
emergency decree, is held at Ağrı Heavy Penal Court No 2 on October 20, 2020.
The indictment demands sentence for Abdullah Kaya on the charges of ‘knowingly and willingly aiding an illegal
organisation without being a member of it’, ‘successively making propaganda for an illegal organisation’:
The court decided to examine and include social media posts of Abdullah Kaya in the case file and adjourned
the trial to March 4, 2021.
(10/269) Lawyers on Trial in Istanbul…
The trial of the case against 19 lawyers, for having a demonstration on October 12, 2015, at Istanbul
Courthouse to protest October 10 Ankara Massacre, is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 on October 20,
2020.
The prosecutor declared legal opinion on the case and demanded sentence for 19 lawyers on the charges of
‘violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations No 2911’, ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’:
The court adjourned the trial to January 15, 2021.
(10/270) Singer on Trial in Edirne…
The trial of the case against German citizen singer Saide İnaç (Hozan Cane) on the charge of ‘aiding an illegal
organisation’ is held at Edirne Heavy Penal Court No 3 on October 20, 2020. The court adjourned the trial to
February 9, 2021.
(10/271) People on Trial in Kocaeli…
The final trial of the case against 4 people (Cemile Çiftçi, Türkiye Bozkurt, Fehime Ekmez, Yeter Seyhan), for
participating in the sit-in protest about death fasts in front of Gebze Women’s Prison on May 2, 2019, is held at
Kocaeli Heavy Penal Court No 4 on October 20, 2020. The court acquitted 4 people.
(10/272) Ban of Events in Van…
Van Governorate made a declaration on October 20, 2020 and announced that, all open-door events such as
demonstrations and meetings are banned; and press declarations, meetings, sit-ins, opening stands and tents,
festivals, concerts, delivering leaflets and so on are subject to permission of local authority for 15 days for 15
days as of October 21, 2020. All events are banned in Van for 1444 days since November 21, 2016.
(10/273) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On October 20, 2020, 2 of 11 judges and prosecutors who were dismissed from their duties by the Council of
Judges and Prosecutors on October 19, 2020, are detained.
On October 20, 2020, 21 people including military members on active duty are detained through an Ankara
based investigation against Land Forces Command; 5 people are detained in house raids in Ankara; 20 people
are detained in operations covering 16 cities through an Istanbul based investigation; and 3 people are
detained in Edirne in alleged attempt to illegally cross to Greece.
(10/274) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 74 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 1,894 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 20, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,445 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 351,413
as of October 20, 2020.
22 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/275) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 21, 2020 that, 2 militants died in a clash between security
forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Silopi district of Şırnak on September 2, 2020.
(10/276) Refugee Child Lost His Life in an Attack in Konya…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 21, 2020 that, Vail El-Mansur, a 14-year-old Syrian child was
stabbed by unidentified person or persons and lost his life, in Selçuklu district of Konya.
(10/277) Refugee Lost His Life in an Attack in Antep…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 21, 2020 that, Muhammed Al Halid, a 20-year-old Syrian
refugee lost his life due to an armed assault in Nizip district of Antep on October 20, 2020. It is learned that 4
Turkish citizens were detained in relation to the attack.
(10/278) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
16
It is learned from the news coverage of October 21, 2020 that, Kerem Ayaz, a prisoner in Ordu E Type Prison
was threatened to death by wardens.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 21, 2020 that, in Elazığ High Security Prison No 1, the books
sent to prisoners were not given to them, hot water was not given on a regular basis, the food given was not
adequate and nutrient; social, cultural and sports rights of prisoners were prevented.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 21, 2020 that, 42 prisoners in Diyarbakır D Type Prison were
transferred to Diyarbakır High Security Prisons No 1 and 2 under coercion. Transferred prisoners are: Ramazan
Yılmaz, Hasan İskanoğlu, Necim Susin, Tahir Kurhan, Adnan Yiğittekin, Ramazan Alğan, Ferhat Turgay, Davut
Avcı, Avni Uçaç, Faysal Okalin, Recep Karsu, Takyeddin Yüksekbağ, M. Şirin İvrendi, A. Rezzak Şimşek, İzzettin
Tekmen, Mehmet Ali Aygönül, Hakim Yavaş, Zülfikar Bayram, Ahmet Özkan, Mehmet Koç, Mehmet Yalçın, Hacı
Haykır, Abdulselam Susin, Halil Arslan, Diyadin Yakut, M. Enes Tunç, Orhan Yüzal, Fahrettin Özhan, Mahmut
Bilginç, Edip Yalçınkaya, Doğan Erkol, Sıddık Batur, Servet Kaya, Ekrem Batmaz, Ferhat Gültek, Nihat Demirtaş,
Mustafa Ürek, Mehmet Belim, Mahir Savun, Aydın Altığ, Serdar Güzel and Lokman Akbaba.
(10/279) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on October 21, 2020 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 the
ban for Abdullah Öcalan which prevents lawyer visits for 6 months.
(10/280) Journalist Threatened by Social Media Message…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 21, 2020 that, journalist Hayri Demir was threatened by a
message reading “Şewbaş hewal death will find you” sent from a social media account “KodAdım:YEŞİL
(jitem.turkey)”. It is reported that this first message was followed by a video message which includes torture
scenes.
Peoples’ Democratic Party MP’s Serpil Kemalbay, Murat Sarısaç, Hüseyin Kaçmaz, Habip Eksik, Nuran İmir,
Semra Güzel, Murat Çepni and Hasan Özgüneş were sent threat messages from the same account earlier.
(10/281) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declaration which was made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back Protest”
going on for 1443 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 21, 2020 at 13.30 and
18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/282) Detained HDP Executive and Other People for Social Media Posts in Maraş…
On October 21, 2020, 12 people including HDP district executive and a member of Human Rights Association
(IHD) are detained in house raids in Maraş, on the grounds of social media posts. Detained people are: HDP
Nurhak district executive Bahir Horoz, IHD member Volkan Doğan, Hacı Uzun, Dursun Bahça, Mehmet Biçer,
Emre Genç, Bese Usta, Mustafa Özgür, Ali Demir, Erdal Demir, Fidan Polat and Hatice Taş.
(10/283) Detained People for Social Media Posts in Izmir…
On October 21, 2020, 11 people are detained in house raids in Izmir, on the grounds of social media posts.
Names of detained people are unknown.
(10/284) Detained People in Mardin…
On October 21, 2020, 6 people are detained in Nusaybin district of Mardin, on the grounds of an investigation
dated before the curfew announced on March 14, 2016. Names of detained people are unknown.
(10/285) Detained People in Şırnak…
3 of 6 people (Cihat Basan, Zişan Basan and Dilan Basan) who were detained in Şırnak on October 18, 2020, are
released by the court on October 21, 2020. 3 people (Nebi Uysal, Mahmut Belge and Hasan Belge) have been
released after statement procedures at the police on October 19, 2020.
(10/286) Tahir Elçi Case…
The first trial of the case against police officers S. T. and F. T., dismissed police officer M. B., and fugitive U. Y.,
for the killing of Diyarbakır Bar Association chair Tahir Elçi, is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 10 on
October 21, 2020. Tahir Elçi was murdered in Diyarbakır on November 28, 2015.
The indictment demands jail sentences up to 6 years for 3 police officers on the charge of ‘causing death by
culpable negligence’. The indictment demands heavy life imprisonment for 3 times, and 45 years of jail
sentence for U. Y. who is alleged to be a PKK member, on the charges of ‘wilful killing’, ‘killing with eventual
intent’, ‘opposition to Law no 6136’, ‘disrupting the unity of the state and integrity of the country’, ‘damaging
property’.
It is learned that journalists except the reporters from Ihlas News Agency, Anadolu Agency, Demirören News
Agency and Deutsche Welle were not allowed in the courtroom upon the court’s decision.
Defendant police officer joined the trial via sound and vision system. The court rejected the demand of lawyers
of Elçi family who state that defendants should attend the trial in person; and despite of the objection of the
lawyers on the grounds of violation of procedure, the decided that they could give their testimonies via sound
and vision system. The court did not allow Türkan Elçi, Tahir Elçi’s wife, to make a statement. The court decided
17
to send the request of recusal to Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 11 as the upper court and adjourned the trial
to March 3, 2021.
(10/287) Diyarbakır JITEM / Musa Anter Case…
The consolidated case on Musa Anter’s killing in Diyarbakır in 1992 and activities of JITEM (Gendarmerie
Intelligence and Anti-Terror Unit) in Diyarbakır is held on October 21, 2020 at Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 6.
The case known as “JITEM Main Case” on Diyarbakır Penal Court No 1 and the case of Musa Anter’s killing has
been consolidated by the Supreme Court’s decision on January 29, 2016.
Mustafa Başoğlu, a military member at Antalya Provincial Gendarmerie Command is heard as a witness. The
court adjourned the trial to January 20, 2021.
(10/288) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On October 21, 2020, 17 people are detained in operations covering 9 cities through an Aksaray based
investigation.
(10/289) Ban of Events in Manisa…
Manisa Governorate made a declaration on October 20, 2020 and announced that, all events such as
demonstrations and meetings; sit-in protests, hunger strikes, protests, chain protests, marches, opening stands
and tents, commemorations and so on are banned regardless of the number of participators or of obedience to
face mask, social distancing and hygiene rules, for 15 days as of October 21, 2020.
(10/290) Proceedings Against Parliamentary Members…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 21, 2020 that, 25 proceedings demanding lift of impunity of 11
parliamentary members from HDP are submitted to Grand National Assembly.
Parliamentary members subjected to proceedings are:
 Democratic Regions Party (DBP) co-chair and Diyarbakır MP Saliha Aydeniz: (5 proceedings)
 HDP Diyarbakır MP Dersim Dağ (5 proceedings)
 HDP Ağrı MP Berdan Öztürk (3 proceedings)
 HDP Diyarbakır MP Semra Güzel (3 proceedings)
 HDP Urfa MP Ömer Öcalan (1 proceeding)
 HDP Diyarbakır MP Remziye Tosun (2 proceedings)
 HDP Antep MP Mahmut Toğrul (1 proceeding)
 HDP Batman MP Feleknas Uca (1 proceeding)
 HDP Urfa MP Ayşe Sürücü (1 proceeding)
 HDP Şırnak MP İmir (1 proceeding)
 HDP Van MP Muazzez Orhan Işık (2 proceedings)
(10/291) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 68 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,013 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 21, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,513 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 353,426
as of October 21, 2020.
24 – 26 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/316) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 24, 2020 that, 2 militants died in a clash between security
forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Hakkari on June 14, 2020.
It is learned that an armoured military vehicle on patrol near Ayvalık village of Beytüşşebap district of Şırnak
had an accident injuring 11 soldiers, on October 24, 2020.
(10/317) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under Custody in Mardin…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 24, 2020 that, A. T. E., the police chief of Derik district of
Mardin committed physical violence to 3 detainees, in a room without surveillance cameras. It is stated in the
news reports that the police chief has taken a statement against these 3 detainees on the grounds of ‘resisting
a police officer’. It is reported that the statement has an expression reading “he started to kick his head to the
floor with no reason”, about M. T., one of the detainees who were subjected to physical violence. It is learned
that M. T. made a criminal complaint against the police chief.
(10/318) Person Subjected to Physical Violence of Soldiers in Diyarbakır…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 25, 2020 that, a fire started following the target practice of
soldiers in a rural neighbourhood of Kulp district of Diyarbakır and a quarrel took place between residents of
18
the neighbourhood and the soldiers; and 1 person was subjected to physical violence of the soldiers and his cell
phone was broken.
(10/319) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 24, 2020 that in Antep H Type Prison, 8 people were given food
for 2 persons and the food given was not hygienic.
(10/320) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…
It is claimed in the news coverage of October 23, 3030 that, Yaraş Gümüşlü, a peptic ulcer patient kept in
Erzurum H Type Prison was not given his medication.
(10/321) Hunger Strike in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 24, 2020 that, Osman Çeken, a prisoner in Izmir Menemen T
Type Prison with Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome which started after a previous death fast, is on hunger strike
since July 4, 2020, demanding a fair trial. It is also stated in the news reports that a medical report stating that
“he cannot survive in prison conditions, he is in need of care and supervision” was given for Osman Çeken by
Atatürk Research and Training Hospital.
(10/322) Police Interventions and Preventions to Protests of Community Houses in Ankara, Izmir and
Adana…
The police intervened the march of Community Houses members in Ankara before the press declaration “We
Want Secured Work and to Live in Dignity” on October 24, 2020 and detained 24 people including Community
Houses chair Nebiye Merttürk and central executive board members Sercan Aran and Mustafa Eberliköse. It is
learned that journalists were prevented by the police and they were threatened by police saying “We will do
what we would do if you come closer”. It is learned that detained people were released on the same day.
It is learned that the police prevented the press declaration to be held for the same cause in Adana on October
24, 2020 and the declaration was held at Community House office.
The police intervened the press declaration for the same cause, held in Izmir on October 25, 2020 and detained
17 people including 1 child, by using physical violence. It is learned that detained people were released on the
same day. Detained people were: Eren Aktaş, Ebru Akeloğlu, Egemen Ulucan, Eyüp Ulucan, Elif Yerlikaya, D. T.,
Seval Ekşici, Fatma Pınar Usta, Gizem Coşkun, Erdem Engin, Doğan Barış Halidi, Uğurcan Akyol, Özgün Avcı,
Serdar Türkmen, Emine Akbaba, Evrim Çakır, Uğur Demir.
The police intervened the press declaration of Community Houses members for the same cause, held in
Eskişehir on October 25, 2020 and detained 9 people. It is learned that detained people were released on the
same day.
It is learned that the police prevented the press declaration of Community Houses members for the same
cause, to be held in Antalya on October 25, 2020; on the grounds of governorate’s ban.
It is learned that the police prevented the press declaration of Community Houses members for the same
cause, to be held in Kocaeli on October 25, 2020; on the grounds of governorate’s ban.
(10/323) Police Intervention to Youth Organisations’ Protest in Istanbul…
The police intervened the press declaration of several youth organisations, about United Youth Assemblies
which was to be announced on November 15, 2020, held in Kadıköy district of Istanbul on October 25, 2020,
and detained at least 55 people by using physical violence. It is learned that detained people were released on
the same day.
It is learned that journalist Fatoş Erdoğan was also detained, and she was released afterwards.
(10/324) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declarations which were made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back
Protest” going on for 1447 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 23, 24, and
25, 2020 at 13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/325) Detained HDP Executives in Ağrı…
Abdullah Ekelik and Gönül Öztürk, Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) district co-chairs in Doğubayazıt district of
Ağrı, are detained in house raids on October 24, 2020, on the grounds of ‘being an illegal organisation member’
and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’. 2 people are released by the court on judicial control
conditions on October 25, 2020.
(10/326) Detained HDP Member and Others in Muş…
On October 23, 2020, 5 people including Erdal Çakar, who was HDP’s co-mayor nominee for local elections on
March 31, 2019, are detained in house raids in Malazgirt district of Muş. It is learned that Erdal Çakar was
released after statement procedures at the prosecutor’s office on the same day and 4 people (Rahmi Coşkun,
Kerem İbek, Mesut Gökdemir and Zoral Yıldırım) are still under custody.
(10/327) Detained HDP Executive and Other People for Social Media Posts in Maraş…
16 people including HDP district executive and a member of Human Rights Association (IHD) who were
detained in house raids in Maraş on October 21, 2020, on the grounds of social media posts are released on
19
October 23, 2020. 2 people are released on judicial control conditions. Detained and released people are: HDP
Nurhak district executive Bahir Horoz, IHD member Volkan Doğan, Hacı Uzun, Dursun Bahça, Mehmet Biçer,
Bese Usta, Mustafa Özgür, Ali Demir, Erdal Demir, Fidan Polat, Hatice Taş, Hasan Doğan, Ali Taş and Emre Genç,
(10/328) Detained People in Diyarbakır…
3 of 8 people who were detained in Diyarbakır on October 20, 2020 are arrested by the court on the charge of
‘being an illegal organisation member’ on October 24, 2020. 5 people are released on judicial control
conditions.
(10/329) Detained Person in Antalya…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 24, 2020 that, a person named Ismail Demirbaş is detained on
October 22, 2020 for his expressions in a street interview in Antalya; and was released by the court on judicial
control conditions.
(10/330) Journalists, Writers and Others on Trial in Istanbul…
The trial of the case against Bloomberg reporters Kerim Karakaya and Fercan Yalınkılıç who reported news on
financial crisis and increasing exchange rates, and 36 people who shared and commented on these news
reports on social media including Mustafa Sönmez, Merdan Yanardağ, Gazi Kozanoğlu, Sedef Kabaş
Yirmibeşoğlu, upon the official complaint of Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, is held at Istanbul
Penal Court of First Instance No 3 on October 23, 2020.
The indictment demands jail penalty from 2 years to 5 years for 38 people, on the charge of ‘attempt to
weaken financial order and stability of the state’.
After defence hearings the court adjourned the trial to February 26, 2021.
(10/331) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
The final trial of the case against journalist Hayri Tunç, for sharing on social media the photographs he took
while reporting, is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 22 on October 23, 2020. The court sentenced Hayri
Tunç to 2 years on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and did not postpone the
verdict.
(10/332) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 23, 2020 that Korkusuz newspaper writer Memduh
Bayraktaroğlu was sentenced to 380 days of jail penalty on the charge of ‘insult’. The case was opened for
Bayraktaroğlu’s comments about The Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) which did not impose any
penalty against TGRT television channel where expressions like “inglorious, despicable, cesspool, barrelheaded” were used. Bayraktaroğlu has asked “Can I address you with the same words?” and he was charged
with insult.
(10/333) HDP Executive on Trial…
The final trial of the case against Nihat Akkaya, former member of HDP Party Assembly, for a speech he made
at Newroz celebration in Antalya in 2019, is held at Antalya Heavy Penal Court No 9 on October 23, 2020. The
court sentenced Nihat Akkaya to 10 months on the charge of ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’
and deferred the announcement of the verdict.
(10/334) Police Raid to Party Office in Ağrı…
HDP office in Doğubayazıt district of Ağrı is raided by the police on October 24, 2020. It is learned that the
police searched the office and seized banners and some of the official documents.
(10/335) Publication Ban for a Book…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 24, 2020 that, “Political wing of FETO in 21 questions”
prepared by Republican People’s Party (CHP) is banned to be published by a court and ruled to be pulled off the
shelf.
(10/337) Ban of Access to Web Contents…
It is learned that the news reports about a fraud organisation published on https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/,
https://tr.sputniknews.com/, https://www.ahaber.com.tr/, https://www.cnnturk.com/,
https://www.takvim.com.tr/ websites are banned to access on the grounds of violation of personal rights by
Cizre Penal Court of Peace on October 22, 2020.
It is learned that a news report about Fethiye district mayor, published on https://www.milligazete.com.tr/ is
banned to access on the grounds of violation of personal rights by Fethiye Penal Court of Peace on October 21,
2020.
(10/338) Ban of Events in Konya, Siirt and Antalya…
Konya Governorate made a declaration on October 23, 2020 and announced that, all events such as
demonstrations and meetings; sit-in protests, opening tents and so on are banned for 15 days as of October 22,
2020.
Siirt Governorate made a declaration on October 23, 2020 and announced that, all events such as
demonstrations and meetings; sit-in protests, opening tents and so on are banned for 15 days as of October 22,
20
2020.
Antalya Governorate made a declaration on October 24, 2020 and announced that, all events such as
demonstrations and meetings; sit-in protests, opening tents and stands, and so on are banned for 3 days as of
October 25, 2020.
(10/339) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On October 23, 3030, 12 people are detained in operations covering 12 cities through a Diyarbakır based
investigation.
(10/340) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 74 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,165 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 23, 2020.
Ministry of Health declared that 69 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,091 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 24, 2020.
Ministry of Health declared that 72 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,017 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 25, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,799 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 361,801
as of October 25, 2020.
27 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/341) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declarations which were made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back
Protest” going on for 1448 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 26, 2020 at
13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/342) Former Van-Hakkari Medical Chamber Chair is Detained in Van…
Doctor Özgür Değer Deniz, former chair of Van-Hakkari Medical Chamber, is detained for his social media posts,
by gendarmerie raiding his clinic in Van on October 26, 2020. Özgür Değer Deniz is released after statement
procedures on the same day.
(10/343) Detained HDP Member and Other People in Muş…
4 of 5 people (Rahmi Coşkun, Kerem İbek, Mesut Gökdemir and Zoral Yıldırım) who were detained in Malazgirt
district of Muş on October 23, 2020 are released after statement procedures at the prosecutor’s office on
October 26, 2020. Erdal Çakar, People’s Democratic Party (HDP) co-mayor nominee for local elections on March
31, 2019, who was also detained was released on the same day.
(10/344) Detained People in Mardin…
4 of 6 people who were detained in Nusaybin district of Mardin on October 21, 2020, on the grounds of an
investigation dated before the curfew announced on March 14, 2016, are arrested by the court on October 26,
2020. 2 people (Rahmet Ermez and Hacer Tanış) were released after statement procedures at the police.
Arrested people are: Selime Ericek, Halime Akçin, Heybet Akçin, Ayşe Yazi Otman.
(10/345) Co-Mayor on Trial in Diyarbakır…
The trial of the case against Filiz Buluttekin, HDP co-mayor of Sur district of Diyarbakır, is held at Diyarbakır
Heavy Penal Court No 11 on October 26, 2020.
The prosecutor declared legal opinion on the case and demanded jail sentence from 7 years and 6 months to
15 years for Filiz Buluttekin on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’. It is learned that the
anonymous witness of the case gave statement between this and the previous trial. The court rejected the
demand of lawyers for hearing the witness once again at the trial, and adjourned the trial to February 22,
2021.
Filiz Buluttekin was detained on December 20, 2019 and was arrested by the court on December 23, 2019. Sur
district sub-governor Abdullah Çiftçi was appointed as a trustee by Ministry of Interior on December 22, 2019.
(10/346) Former Co-Mayor on Trial…
The retrial of the case against Tuncer Bakırhan, former Democratic Regions Party (DBP) co-mayor of Siirt, is
held at Siirt Heavy Penal Court No 2 on October 26, 2020. Tuncer Bakırhan was sentenced to 10 years on the
charges of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ and ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’, and the
local court’s verdict was reversed by Antep Regional Court Penal Department No 3. At the retrial, the court
sentenced Tuncer Bakırhan to 10 years and 10 months and 15 days on the charges of ‘being an illegal
organisation member’, ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ and ‘degrading Turkish nation, state of
Turkish Republic, the organs and institutions of the state’. The court acquitted Tuncer Bakırhan on the charges
of ‘violation of the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations’ and ‘provoking hatred and hostility among people’.
Tuncer Bakırhan was arrested on November 16, 2016, and was released from prison after reversal of the court
21
of appeal on October 11, 2019. The Ministry of Interior has appointed a trustee to Siirt Municipality on
November 167, 2016.
(10/347) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 75 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,198 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 26, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,874 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 363,999
as of October 26, 2020.
It is learned from data shared by Ankara Chamber of Medicine on October 26, 2020 that 1100 health workers
including 170 doctors, 183 nurses, 116 junior doctors, 47 emergency medical technicians, 33 primary care
doctors, 62 medical secretaries, 9 administrative personnel, 12 pharmacists, 67 dentists, 13 security personnel,
11 radiology technicians, 12 laboratorians, 6 workplace doctors, 14 physiotherapists, 5 anaesthetists, 9 finance
officers, 124 cleaning workers, 7 kitchen workers, 8 intern doctors in Ankara tested positive for Covid-19.
Ankara Medical Chamber also declared that 3 doctors, 2 dentists, 2 pharmacists and 6 hospital personnel died
from Covid-19 as of October 26, 2020.
28 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/348) HDP Executive in Şırnak was Threatened…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 27, 2020 that, Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Silopi district
co-chair Süleyman Şavluk was threatened by videos showing executions by ISIS, sent to his social media
account and his phone.
(10/349) Police Intervention to Environmental Protests in Ordu…
The gendarmerie used pepper spray to intervene the residents of Yeşilkent village of Ünye district of Ordu, who
were protesting underground drilling of a mining company at the village on October 27, 2020; and detained 10
people. Detained people are released on the same day. It is learned that at least 2 people were injured due to
intervention.
The gendarmerie and the police intervened the residents of the village who were having a sit-in protest at the
drilling site on October 28, 2020 and detained at least 20 people by using physical violence.
(10/350) Police Intervention Against “I Want My Job Back” Protest in Ankara…
The police intervened the press declarations which were made within the scope of “I Want My Job Back
Protest” going on for 1449 days in front of Human Rights Monument in Yüksel Street on October 27, 2020 at
13.30 and 18.00 and forced people away from the monument by using physical violence.
(10/351) Prevention to a Protest in Karaman…
On October 28, 2020, the march of mine workers from Güneyyurt town of Ermenek district of Karaman to
Ankara, for their compensation rights is prevented by the gendarmerie.
(10/352) Detained Former MP in Ankara…
Ibrahim Binici, former Urfa MP of Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) is detained through the investigation
about Kobanê protests in 2014, on October 27, 2020 in Ankara. It is learned that Ibrahim Binici is restricted to
see his lawyers for 24 hours.
(10/353) Detained HDP Executive in Diyarbakır…
HDP Party Assembly member Mesut Bağcık is detained through the investigation about Kobanê protests in
2014, on October 27, 2020 in Diyarbakır. It is learned that Mesut Bağcık is taken to Ankara for investigation.
(10/354) Detained Person in Diyarbakır…
On October 27, 2020, a person named Osman Seydaoğlu is detained in a house raid in Diyarbakır. The reason of
detention is unknown.
(10/355) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
The final trial of the case against Cumhuriyet newspaper’s reporter Hazal Ocak, for the news reports on
Minister of Treasury and Finance Berat Albayrak’s purchase of lands near the route of Canal Istanbul Project, is
held at Istanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 2 on October 27, 2020. The court acquitted Hazal Ocak.
(10/356) Investigation Against IYI Party Executive…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 27, 2020 that, Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an
investigation against IYI Party Istanbul provincial chair Buğra Kavuncu as a part of “Fethullahist Terrorist
Organisation/ Parallel State Structure” investigations.
(10/357) Detentions and Arrests in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
On October 27, 2020, 8 people are detained in operations covering 8 cities through a Konya based
investigation; 7 people are detained in operations covering 3 cities through a Kocaeli based investigation; 22
people are detained in operations covering 14 cities through a Tekirdağ based investigation; 15 people are
22
detained in house raids in Balıkesir; 4 people are detained in house raids in Ankara; and 5 people are detained
in Edirne in an alleged attempt to illegally cross to Greece.
(10/358) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against Nazmi Mete Cantürk, an employee of the United States General Consulate in
Istanbul, is held at Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 27 on October 27, 2020. The court sentenced the defendant
to 5 years 2 months and 15 days on the charge of ‘aiding an illegal organisation’.
(10/359) Covid-19 Pandemic…
Ministry of Health declared that 76 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,209 new Covid-19 ill patients
were diagnosed on October 27, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 9,950 and total number of confirmed ill patients is 366,208
as of October 27, 2020.
29 – 30 October 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(10/360) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2020 that, 1 militant died in a clash between security
forces and HPG militants in Şenkaya district of Erzurum on July 12, 2020; and 1 militant died in a clash in Iğdır
on September 19, 2020.
(10/361) Torture and Ill-Treatment in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2020 that, journalist Aslıhan Gençay who was transferred
from Kayseri Prison to Sivas Prison for her probation period on October 22, 2020, was subjected to illtreatment of the wardens and was forced to strip search. It is also reported that Aslıhan Gençay was prevented
from writing a petition to the Ministry of Justice, by prison administration saying “We are the minister of
justice, we are the state here”; and that she was penalised with 3 days of solitary cell confinement.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2020 that, prisoners in Elazığ Women Prison were
handcuffed during transfers to hospitals.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2020 that, in Bayburt M Type Prison, the water given to
prisoners were limited to a certain amount, prisoners were not given Yeni Yaşam newspaper, and goods were
sold at high prices at prison commissary.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 29, 2020 that, in Antalya L Type Prison, numerous prisoners
who are in risk groups for Covid-19 were being kept together in quarantine wards, and the amount of hot
water given to prisoners was limited.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 29, 2020 that in Van T Type Women’s Closed Prison, books of
prisoners were taken by prison administration, 16 people were kept in a ward for 10 prisoners, and prisoners
were forced to stand up during roll-calls and those who reject to do so were subjected to physical violence.
(10/362) Prevention of Right to Health in Prison…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 29, 2020 that, ill prisoner Ruken Demir who is kept in Van T
Type Women’s Closed Prison was not taken to a hospital and her medications were not prescribed to her.
(10/363) Detained Grup Yorum Band Members and Other People Through an Istanbul Based Investigation…
It is learned that 99 people are detained in house raids in 12 cities through an Istanbul based investigation on
October 28 and 29, 2020. It is learned that Grup Yorum band members Ali Aracı, Seher Adıgüzel, Barış Yüksel,
Eren Erdem and Özgürcan Elbiz; People’s Law Office lawyer Seda Şaraldı; Merve Demirel and Bengisu Demirel
from “I Want My Job Back” protests in Yüksel Street of Ankara; Selvi Polat from “I Want My Job Back” protests
in Bakırköy district of Istanbul; Türkan Albayrak who had sit-in protests for 2 years to get back her job in Sarıyer
district of Istanbul; Ümit Özçelik who were having press declarations in Hatay for her mother Edibe Özçelik who
lost her life in a house raid are among the detainees. It is reported that detained people were restricted from
seeing their lawyers for 24 hours.
Names of detained people learned so far are: Seda Şaraldı, Metin Kaleli, Yaşar Coşkun Karadağ, Sanem Farsak,
Eray Küçükkılavuz, Taylan Cemal Sungur, Mehmet Aras, Orhan Acar, Sinan Okur, Sadık Altunöz, Volkan Baran,
Yusuf Gül, Eren Erdem, Özgürcan Elbiz, Adalet Karataştan, İlyas Argun, Volkan Çeşme, Doğan Karataştan,
Zeynep Gonca Karakoç, Mahir Kılıç, Yalçın Doğru, Barış Yüksel, Merve Demirel, Bengisu Demirel, Olcay Abalay,
İdil Kayıkçı, Yağmur Senem Demirel, İpek Arslan, Erhan Arslan, Ümit Özçelik, Sever Işık, Sevilay Işık, Cenk Turan,
Emrah Uludağ, Ferdaniye Artiğ, Ayça Artiğ, Barış Gürses, Selvi Polat, Boran Hurustan, Mehmet Ali Uğurlu,
Sercan Toptancı, Özgür Karakoç, Türkan Albayrak, Mayıs Kurt, Beste Yılmaz.
(10/364) Detained District Council Member and Other People in Mardin…
It is learned that 3 people including Samiya Demir, district council member from Peoples’ Democratic Party
(HDP) are detained in house raids in Nusaybin district of Mardin on October 29, 2020. The reason of detention
23
is unknown.
(10/365) Detained HDP Members in Istanbul…
It is learned that 3 members of HDP (Raif Altunhisar, Ercan Yücedağ and Volkan Eren) are detained in house
raids in Istanbul on October 28, 2020. The reason of detention is unknown.
(10/366) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
The final trial of the case against Necla Demir, former grant holder of Gazete Karınca news portal, is held at
Bakırköy Penal Court of First Instance No 8 on October 28, 2020.
The indictment demands sentence for Necla Demir on the charges of ‘insulting the President’ and ‘provoking
hatred and hostility among people’.
The court acquitted Necla Demir.
(10/367) Journalist on Trial in Istanbul…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2020 that, the indictment of Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s
Office against journalist Burhan Ekinci, charging him with ‘making propaganda for an illegal organisation’ in his
social media posts, is accepted by Istanbul Heavy Penal Court No 30; and that the court issued a warrant for
Burhan Ekinci who is living in Germany.
(10/368) Co-Mayor on Trial in Urfa…
The trial of the case against Hatice Çevik, HDP co-mayor of Suruç district of Urfa, is geld at Urfa Heavy Penal
Court No 2 on October 28, 2020.
The indictment demands sentence for Hatice Çevik on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’.
The court lifted judicial control conditions for Hatice Çevik and adjourned the trial to January 14, 2021.
Hatice Çevik was detained on November 15, 2019 and was arrested on November 20, 2019. She was released
with a ban on leaving the country and on judicial control conditions on June 23, 2020. The Ministry of Interior
has appointed Suruç sub-governor as a trustee to Suruç Municipality.
(10/369) DTK Co-Chair on Trial…
The trial of the case against Leyla Güven, co-chair of Democratic Society Congress (DTK), for her declarations
about Turkish Armed Forces operation to Afrin and her activities within DTK, is held at Diyarbakır Heavy Penal
Court No 9 on October 28, 2020.
The court decided to continue judicial control conditions for Leyla Güven and adjourned the trial to November
18, 2020.
(10/370) The Case Against People for Participating in a Protest in Izmir…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2020 that, 12 people who were detained in the police
intervention to a protest in Alsancak, Izmir on July 21, 2020 were charged with ‘violation of the Law on
Meetings and Demonstrations No 2911’ and ‘resisting a public officer to prevent his duty’; and that the first
trial of the case will be held on January 20, 2021. These 12 people were subjected to torture and ill-treatment
while they were being detained by the police intervening to the protest organized after death of Pınar Gültekin;
a woman who was killed by a man named Cemal Metin Avcı, in Muğla.
(10/371) Investigation Against Chairs of Bar Associations and Journalists…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2020 that, Diyarbakır Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an
investigation against the reporter, executive editor, and grant holder of Mezopotamya News Agency; for the
news reports on the declaration of 53 bar associations which was about a judge who insulted Diyarbakır Bar
Association chair Cihan Aydın. Bektaş Şarıklı, chair of Antep Bar Association; Polat Balkan, chair of Antalya Bar
Association and Hanefi Kandemir, lawyer of Diyarbakır Bar Association are also subjected to the investigation
which charges 6 people with ‘making a judge on duty a target for terrorist organisations by revealing his name’.
On June 9, 2020, Cihan Aydın was defending his client lawyer Berdan Acun, who was detained through an
investigation against DTK, and he was subjected to insults of the judge on duty. 53 Bar Associations has made a
declaration demanding administrative and juridical investigation by The Council of Judges and Prosecutor’s
against the judge on duty.
(10/372) Ban of Access to Websites…
It is learned that Jinnews News Agency website http://jinnews10.xyz/, Etkin News Agency website
http://etha16.com/ and Yeni Demokrasi newspaper’s website http://www.yenidemokrasi9.net/ are banned to
access upon demand of Information Technologies and Communications Authority by Van Penal Court of Peace
No 3 on October 28, 2020.
(10/373) Ban of Events in Tunceli…
Tunceli Governorate made a declaration on October 28, 2020 and announced that, due to Covid-19 pandemic,
all events such as demonstrations and meetings; open-door meetings, sit-in protests, hunger strikes, opening
stands, collecting petitions, concerts, festivals, distributing leaflets, hanging banners, carrying torches,
conferences and so on are banned for 15 days as of October 29, 2020.
(10/374) Covid-19 Pandemic…
24
The Ministry of Health declared that 77 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,305 new Covid-19 ill
patients were diagnosed on October 28, 2020.
The Ministry of Health declared that 72 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,319 new Covid-19 ill
patients were diagnosed on October 29, 2020.
The death toll from Covid-19 in Turkey increased to 10,099 and total number of confirmed ill patients is
370,832 as of October 29, 2020.
The Ministry of Health sent a circular to governorate’s offices in 81 cities and announced that, health
employees’ demands for resignation and demands of retirement except the due to age limit and disability will
not be approved, and annual leaves are banned during Covid-19 pandemic,
4 health workers, Leyla Çiçek a nurse from Diyarbakır, physician Engin Türkmen in Istanbul, physician Hasan
Tepeçınar in Sakarya and dentist Burhan Yürütücü lost their lives due to Covid-19 on October 28 and 29, 2020.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 28, 2020 that, according to the report of Human Rights
Association (IHD) Prison Committee in Diyarbakır which covers the visit to the prison on October 26, 2020, 12
prisoners have tested positive for Covid-19.
It is learned from the news coverage of October 29, 2020 that, 15 prisoners kept in a quarantine ward in
Antalya L Type Closed Prison have been treated for Covid-19 in hospitals.
31 October – 2 November 2020 Daily Human Rights Report
(11/001) Earthquake in Izmir…
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit Izmir on October 30, 2020. It is learned that as of November 2, 2020, 91
people have lost their lives and 994 people have been wounded in the earthquake.
(11/002) Person Died Due to Fire Opened by Soldiers in Hakkari…
It is learned that a person named Şerali Dereli, lost his life due to fire opened by security forces in Esendere
town of Yüksekova district of Hakkari on October 30, 3030.
A relative of Şerali Dereli stated the following: “Yesterday, at around 6.30 p.m. Şerali went to tie his horse.
Soldiers opened fire, Şerali and his horse died. (…) They did not allow us to get his body. His body was on the
ground for 6 hours. A quarrel took place afterwards, they used pepper spray on us.”
Hakkari Governorate made a declaration on November 2, 2020 and stated the following: “During the planned
operation, to prevent financial support to terror and smuggling, which was performed on the route of
PKK/KCK terrorist organisation members about 7 kilometres away from Iran border, a group of people was
encountered and after they did not obey stop warnings and started to run making use of darkness of the
night, security forces intervened within legislation. 10 kilograms of methamphetamine was found at the crime
scene at post-investigation. It was also found out that a person named Ş. D., who has criminal records for
‘narcotics trafficking’ lost his life at the crime scene, necessary investigations related to the incident are in
progress.”
(11/003) Person Died Due to Fire Opened by Soldiers in Hakkari…
It is learned that 2 citizens of Iran got wounded due to the fire opened by security forces at the Iranian border
in Yüksekova district of Hakkari on November 1, 2020. It is reported that Misleh Kasimî (23) who was wounded
by two bullets hitting his heart lost his life, while Mislim Kasimî (22) who was wounded by two bullets hitting
his left leg is still under treatment.
(11/004) Operations and Attacks in Southeast…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 30, 2020 that, 3 militants died in a clash between security
forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Şırnak on October 18, 2020.
It is learned from the news coverage of November 1, 2020 that, 2 militants died in a clash between security
forces and HPG militants in rural areas of Bitlis on June 7, 2020.
(11/005) People Wounded Due to Fire Opened by Police in Bitlis…
It is learned from the news coverage of November 1, 2020 that, 2 people (Ferit Kanlı and 14-year-old E. K.) got
wounded due to fire opened by the police intervening a fight in Güroymak district of Bitlis. It is stated in the
news reports that, Ferit Kanlı who took shelter in a house upon police arriving, was shot at the leg and was
taken out of the house. It is reported that E. K. was shot by the police after laying herself on Ferit Kanlı. It is
also claimed that Ferit Kanlı was subjected to physical violence of the police while he was wounded.
(11/006) Person Assaulted in Şırnak…
Süleyman Bölünmez, former independent MP of Mardin was wounded by an armed assault in Şırnak on
October 11, 2020. It is learned from the news coverage of October 11, 2020 that HPG takes responsibility for
the assault.
25
(11/007) Torture and Ill-Treatment Under Custody…
People’s Law Office made a declaration on October 30, 2020 and announced that, lawyer Seda Şaraldı who
was detained on October 29, 2020 in Denizli, through an Istanbul based investigation, was subjected to
torture and ill-treatment while she was being detained and under custody. It is stated in the news reports that
Seda Şaraldı was handcuffed behind her back and was kept in this condition for 8 hours while being taken
from Denizli to Istanbul; and she was kept in a vehicle with other detainees one of whom were tested positive
for Covid-19. It is also stated that Seda Şaraldı was subjected to physical violence of the police during
fingerprint procedure.
(11/008) Rejection to Meeting Request with Abdullah Öcalan…
It is learned that the appeal made on October 31, 2020 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 the
ban for Abdullah Öcalan which prevents lawyer visits for 6 months.
(11/009) Police Intervention to HDP’s Declaration in Van…
The police intervened the press declaration of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) members in front of HDP Van
office on October 31, 2020, which was to protest detention of Ayşe Gökkan, spokesperson of Tevgera Jinên
Azad – Free Women’s Movement (TJA). It is learned that participators of press declaration including HDP Ağrı
MP Dilan Dirayet Taşdemir were subjected to physical violence of the police.
(11/010) Police Intervention to Union’s Protest in Diyarbakır…
It is learned that the police prevented the press declaration of Trade Union of Employees in Public Health and
Social Services (SES) Diyarbakır branch on October 30, 2020, which was to be held for Leyla Çiçek, a health
worker who died from Covid-19.
(11/011) Detained Co-Mayor and Other People in Mardin…
On October 30, 2020, Ahmet İnci, HDP co-mayor of Dargeçit district who was suspended and replaced by a
trustee, is detained in a house raid in Dargeçit district of Mardin. It is learned that Ahmet İnci is restricted to
see his lawyers for 24 hours and detention period for him was extended to 4 days.
(11/012) Detained TJA Spokesperson in Diyarbakır…
TJA spokesperson Ayşe Gökkan is detained in Diyarbakır on October 30, 2020, through a Mardin based
investigation. It is learned that Ayşe Gökkan is restricted to see her lawyers for 24 hours and detention period
for her was extended to 4 days.
(11/013) Detained HDP Executives and Members in Diyarbakır…
HDP’s Diyarbakır provincial co-chairs Hülya Akökmen Uyanık and Zeyyat Ceyalan, Yenişehir district co-chairs
Remziye Sızıcı and Kasım Kaya, who were detained on October 22, 2020, are referred to the court on October
30, 3030. The court arrested Hülya Akökmen Uyanık and Zeyyat Ceyalan on the grounds of ‘being an illegal
organisation member’, and released Remziye Sızıcı and Kasım Kaya on judicial control conditions.
(11/014) Detained Human Rights Defender, Political Party Executives and Other People in Balıkesir…
On October 31, 2020, Human Rights Association (IHD) Balıkesir branch chair Fahri Semizoğlu, HDP Burhaniye
district co-chair Yahya Anık and HDP member Serdar Kocaman are detained in house raids in Balıkesir.
On October 31, 2020, Initiative of Mothers with White Head Scarves member Aysel Ateş, writer and translator
Fahriye Adsay, Nasır Demirkan, Herdem Kızıldemir and Gülden Kızıldemir are detained in Diyarbakır; Leyla
Ekinci is detained in Mardin through the same investigation. It is learned that 6 people will be taken to
Balıkesir.
(11/015) Detained People in Mardin…
On October 30, 2020, 12 people are detained in house raids in Nusaybin, Artuklu, Kızıltepe, Derik districts and
city centre of Mardin. Names of detained people learned so far are: Lokman Fındık, Hatice Kalkan, Ramazan
Kalkan, Fettah Tekin, Sakine Yıldız, Mesut Çelik, Hazni Ağırman. It is learned that 12 people are restricted to
see their lawyers for 24 hours and detention period for them is extended to 4 days.
(11/016) Detained People in Adana…
On October 30, 2020, 5 people are detained on the grounds of ‘aiding an illegal organisation’, in house raids in
Adana. Names of detained people learned so far are: Bedir Altan and Çetin Altan.
(11/017) Detained People in Diyarbakır…
4 of 5 people (A. Y., İ. A., M. K. and O. S.) who were detained in Diyarbakır on October 19, 2020, are arrested
by the court on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation member’ on October 30, 2020. 1 person (V. S.) is
released on judicial control conditions.
(11/018) Detained People for Social Media Posts…
It is learned from the news coverage of October 31, 2020 that, 2 of 10 people who were detained for social
media posts about the earthquake that hit Izmir, were arrested.
(11/019) Ban of Access to Web Contents…
26
It is learned that social media account of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on Twitter
(https://twitter.com/Charlie_Hebdo_) is banned to access on the grounds of violation of personal rights, by
Ankara Penal Court of Peace No 6 on October 28, 2020.
It is learned that the news reports about death of a person who was hit by Çemişgezek Sub-governor,
published on http://artigercek.com/, https://sol.org.tr/, https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/,
https://www.birgun.net/, https://dokuz8haber.net/, https://ilerihaber.org/ websites, are banned to access on
the grounds of violation of personal rights, by Çemişgezek Penal Court of Peace on October 29, 2020.
It is learned that the news reports about former head of Intelligence Department of Istanbul Security
Directorate, published on https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/,https://www.sozcu.com.tr/,
https://www.evrensel.net/, https://www.gazeteduvar.com.tr/, https://tele1.com.tr/,
https://www.gercekgundem.com/ websites, are banned to access on the grounds of violation of personal
rights, by Bakırköy Penal Court of Peace No 1 on October 27, 2020.
(11/020) Trials in Alleged Link to Coup Attempt…
The final trial of the case against 50 people including a brigadier general, about MIT (National Intelligence
Service) trucks stopped in Adana and Hatay in 2014, is held at Adana Heavy Penal Court No 13 on October 30,
2020. The court sentenced 1 defendant to heavy life imprisonment on the charge of ‘attempt to abolish the
constitutional order’; 2 defendants to 34 years on the charges of ‘establishing and leading an illegal
organisation’, ‘disclosure of information relating to the security and political interests of the state’; 1
defendant to 30 years and 5 months on the charges of ‘establishing and leading an illegal organisation’,
‘disclosure of information relating to the security and political interests of the state’, ‘forgery of official
documents’; 1 defendant to 28 years and 4 months on the charges of ‘establishing and leading an illegal
organisation’, ‘disclosure of information relating to the security and political interests of the state’; 1
defendant to 10 years on the charge of ‘disclosure of information relating to the security and political
interests of the state’; and 21 defendants to jail penalties from 1 year 10 months and 15 days to 8 years and 9
months on the charge of ‘being an illegal organisation’. The court ruled dismissal of charges for 13 defendants,
and separated the cases against 10 fugitive defendants.
(11/021) Proceedings Against Parliamentary Members…
It is learned from the news coverage of November 1, 2020 that, 21 proceedings demanding lift of impunity of
18 parliamentary members are submitted to Grand National Assembly.
Parliamentary members subjected to proceedings are:
 HDP Co-chair and Istanbul MP Pervin Buldan
 Democratic Regions Party (DBP) co-chair and Diyarbakır MP Saliha Aydeniz
 HDP Şırnak MP Hüseyin Kaçmaz,
 HDP İzmir MP Murat Çepni
 HDP Van MP Muazzez Orhan Işık
 HDP Antalya MP Kemal Bülbül
 HDP Diyarbakır MP Semra Güzel
 HDP Batman MP Ayşe Acar Başaran
 Republican People’s Party (CHP) chair and İzmir MP Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu
 CHP İstanbul MP Mahmut Tanal
 CHP Maraş MP Ali Öztunç
 CHP Denizli MP Haşim Teoman Sancar
 Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) Hatay MP Barış Atay
 IYI Party Denizli MP Yasin Öztürk (2 proceedings)
 Justice and Development Party (AKP) Aydın MP Metin Yavuz
 Istanbul independent MP Ahmet Şık (3 proceedings)
 Ordu independent MP Cemal Enginyurt
 Balıkesir independent MP İsmail Ok.
(11/022) Ban of Events in Hakkari and Adana…
Hakkari Governorate made a declaration on October 30, 2020 and announced that, all events such as
demonstrations and meetings; open-door meetings, sit-in protests, hunger strikes, press declarations, opening
stands, concerts, festivals, distributing leaflets, hanging banners and so on are banned for 15 days as of
November 2, 2020.
Adana Governorate made a declaration on October 30, 2020 and announced that, all events such as
27
demonstrations and meetings; open-door and indoor meetings, marches, sit-in protests, hunger strikes,
opening stands and tents, convoys, collecting petitions, concerts, festivals, distributing leaflets, hanging
banners and so on are banned for 3 days as of November 2, 2020.
(11/023) Covid-19 Pandemic…
The Ministry of Health declared that 78 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,322 new Covid-19 ill
patients were diagnosed on October 30, 2020.
The Ministry of Health declared that 75 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,213 new Covid-19 ill
patients were diagnosed on October 31, 2020.
The Ministry of Health declared that 74 people died due to Covid-19 pandemic and 2,106 new Covid-19 ill
patients were dia