MESOP : THE COMPLETE HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT ON TURKEY MAY 2016 – BY HRFT/TIHV
Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT/TIHV) –Daily Human Rights Reports –May 2016
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01-02 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/001) House Raid in Van…
The police raided a house on 1 May 2016 in Hacıbekir quarter of Van and killed 1 person. 5 persons were also detained during the raid. According to the news appeared in the press, the killed person allegedly was PKK militant Mahmut Çar.
(05/002) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
3 gendarmerie soldier were killed and 14 soldiers were wounded when Security Forces were organised a bomb attack on 1 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin where curfew was imposed.
1 gendarmerie soldier who was wounded during an armed clash on 1 May 2016 in Şırnak died on the same day in the hospital.
Gendarmerie Battalion in Dicle district of Diyarbakır was attacked on 1 May 2016 with a bomb vehicle. 1 soldier was killed, 20 soldiers and 3 civilians were wounded during the attack.
A police vehicle was attacked on 1 May 2016 on Hani-Diyarbakır road. 3 police officers and 1 judge were wounded during the attack.
YPS members İlyas Türkan (Rüstem Mawa) and Yunus Dilmaç (Dilgeş Batman) were reportedly killed during the armed clashed on 24 April 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
(05/003) Suicide Bomb Attack in Gaziantep…
A suicide bomb attack was organised on 1 May 2016 against the Security Directorate in Gaziantep. 2 police officers were killed and 22 persons including 18 police officers were wounded during the attack. The attack was allegedly organised by IS/ISIS member İsmail Güneş. Family members of the alleged attacker were reportedly detained.
(05/004) Rocket Launched from Syria to Kilis…
İsmail Ufak (25) who was wounded when IS/ISIS launched a rocket from Syria to city centre of Kilis province on 24 April 2016 died on 2 May 2016 in the hospital.
IS/ISIS launched 5 more rockets from Syria to city centre of Kilis province on 1 May 2016 and 8 persons were wounded during the attacks.
(05/005) 1 May Celebrations…
1 May celebrations were not allowed in several provinces on the grounds of security reasons. Governorate of İstanbul allowed celebrations on Bakırköy Market Place and the police prevented all the persons who wanted to stage demonstrations on Taksim Square.
Taksim Square and all the roads opening to the Suqare were closed. Public transportation was also suspended. The police intervened the groups gathered to enter the Taksim Square and detained 231 persons.
Nail Mavuş (57) was killed by a anti-riot water cannon vehicle on Tarlabaşı Boulevard when hit crossing the street.
(05/006) Detentions and Arrests…
Dicle News Agency (DİHA) correspondent Mehmet Hakkı Yılmaz who disappeared after reporting the suicide bomb attack on 1 May 2016 in Gaziantep was reportedly in police custody in Gaziantep Anti-Terror branch.
Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair for Bulank district of Muş province Zeynep Topçu who was detained during a house raid conducted in İstanbul was arrested on 1 May 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
17 persons who were detained in Ceylanpınar district of Şanlıurfa, Turgut Oğuz and Selahattin Ergül who were detained in Derik district of Mardin were arrested on 1 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
- 03 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/007) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
2 soldiers were killed when a military base was attacked on 2 May 2016 nearby Besusin village of Şemdinli district in Hakkari.
YPS General Coordination announced on 2 May 2016 that YPS member Welat Cengiz (İsa Avesta) was killed during the armed clashes on 1 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
Sub-Governorate in Lice district of Diyarbakır imposed curfew in 11 villages starting from 11.00 am on 2 May 2016 on the grounds that military operations planner to be conducted in the province.
Governorates of Hakkari announced on 2 May 2016 that hundreds regions in Hakkari city centre and Yüksekova, Şemdinli and Çukurca districts of the province were decided to be temporary security zones for 15 days until from 3 May 2016 to 17 May 2016. Entrance of civilians to the security zones was also banned.
(05/008) Worker Deaths…
Worker’s Health and Job Safety Assembly announced on 3 May 2016 that at least 168 workers died in April 2016 during work accidents due to untaken security measures. At least 586 workers died in first 4 months of 2016.
(05/009) Rocket Launched from Syria to Kilis…
1 person died and 2 persons were wounded when IS/ISIS launched a rocket from Syria to city centre of Kilis province on 2 May 2016.
(05/010) Investigations, Detentions and Arrests on the Allegations of Insulting State President…
The police detained 1 person on 2 May 2016 in Alanya district of Antalya on the allegations of “insulting the State President” with the messages sent on the internet.
3 persons were detained in Gaziantep on the allegations of “insulting the State President” while distributing leaflets.
(05/011) Web Site Banned…
On 3 May 2016, Telecommunication Communication Directorate (TİB) banned access to the new domain of Dicle News Agency (DİHA). The number of the banned domains of DİHA reached 36.
(05/012) Journalist on Trial…
According to the news appeared in the press on 2 May 2016, a court case was launched against Etkin News Agency (ETHA) correspondent Arzu Demir on charges of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” with her books the books “Devrimin Rojava Hali (Rojava Status of Revolution)” and “Savaşta Barışta Özgürlükte Aşkta Dağın Kadın Hali (Female State of Mountains: in War, in Peace, in Freedom, and in Love)” published by Ceylan Yayınları. The books were banned by Peace Penal Judge No 6 in İstanbul in April 2016. The Judge also ordered the confiscation of the books and banned distribution. İstanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 will start to hear the case.
(05/013) 1 May Celebrations…
The police prevented persons who wanted to stage a demonstration on Taksim Square in İstanbul. Groups gathered on Bakırköy Market Place for the 1 May celebration were also intervened by the police. Several persons were detained during the both interventions. The detainees Orhan Toprak, Esin Toprak, Mustafa Demirbağken, Nebi Gümüş and İsmail Çiftçi were arrested on 2 May 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
(05/014) Detentions and Arrests…
The police conducted operations on 2 May 2016 in Bursa and detained 5 persons including Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) executive Rıdvan Okçu.
Bermal Solak in İstanbul and Mahmut Acar in Dargeçit district of Mardin who were detained during the operations conducted against HDP and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) were arrested on 2 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
- 04 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/015) Mardin JİTEM Case…
Adıyaman Heavy Penal Court continued on 3 May 2016 to hear the gendarmerie intelligence JİTEM case launched in connection with the killings and crimes committed by JİTEM members in Dargeçit district of Mardin. The case was transferred from Midyat district of Mardin to Adıyaman for security measures.
The report of İstanbul Forensic Institute certifying that the skulls and bones previously found were belonging to Nedim Akyön and Davut Altınkaynak was read at the hearing.
After the testimonies of the defendants, the court adjourned the hearing to 14 July 2016 to hear the eyewitnesses.
The indictment concerning the killings of 8 persons including 3 children and one solider was accepted by Midyat (Mardin) Heavy Penal Court. The persons had been found dead after having been detained by gendarmerie intelligence JİTEM between 30 October 1995 and 3 November 1995 in Dargeçit district of Mardin or killed by unidentified persons.
Former Mardin Gendarmerie Commander Hurşit İmren, former Dargeçit Gendarmerie Commander Mehmet Tire, Gendarmerie Station Commander Mahmut Yılmaz, Gendarmerie Station Vice-Commander Haydar Topçam and driver in Gendarmerie Station Kerim Şahin were indicted in the case.
Süleyman Seyhan (57), Nedim Akyön (16), Mehmet Emin Aslan (19), Seyhan Doğan (14), Davut Altınkaynak (13), Abdurrahman Olcay (20), Abdurrahman Coşkun (21) had been detained by gendarmerie intelligence JİTEM between 30 October 1995 and 3 November 1995 during operations conducted in Dargeçit and its villages on the allegations of “aiding PKK” and taken to Dargeçit Gendarmerie Station.
According to the indictment, 7 persons had been detained during house raids by gendarmerie soldiers along with the temporary village guards. They had been killed under torture and thrown in lime pit. Specialist Sergeant Bilal Batırır (25) who had witnessed the killings and informed officials had been also killed and burnt in a coal bunker.
The body of Abdurrahman Olcay (20) was found on 10 June 2013 and his body was given to his family right after the report of the Forensic Institute.
The indictment wants Hurşit İmren, former mayor candidate of Democrat Party for Gümüşlük town of Bodrum district in Muğla, and Çepni Beldesi, mayor for Çepni town in Sivas from Republican Party, 8 times to be sentenced to life imprisonment for “murder and instigating to murder”.
Mahmut Yılmaz was asked 6 times to be sentenced to life imprisonment for “murder”, Haydar Topçam 3 times, Kerim Şahin 6 times to be sentenced to life imprisonment.
(05/016) Mass Grave in Van…
Çatak (Van) Civil Court of Peace continued on 3 May 2016 to hear the case launched with the demand of opening the mass grave of 27 PKK militants who had been killed during an armed clash on 12 October 1998 nearby Çatak district of Van. The bodies of the militants were not given to their families but buried in a mass grave nearby Govkan (Badirgalı) village.
The court adjourned the hearing to 14 June 2016 for the determination of the coordinates to locate the mass grave.
The report of the Forensic Institute certifying that the bodies were not identified was read at a previous hearing of the case. Gendarmerie General Command previously sent a letter to the court concerning the incident and accepted that 22 persons had been killed during the military operations in the region. But they also alleged that 14 of the persons were of Syrian origin.
(05/017) Sedat Akbaş Case…
After the bomb attack against a military convoy in Dağlıca district of Hakkari, Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) premises and Kurdish people were attacked starting throughout Turkey. On 6 September 2015, Sedat Akbaş (21) was stabbed to death for talking in Kurdish on the phone in İstanbul.
İstanbul Heavy Penal Court No 17 continued on 3 May 2016 to hear the case against 6 persons including 2 remanded defendants launched şn connection with the killing of Sedat Akbaş. After the testimonies of the defendants, the court adjourned the hearing to 23 June 2016 for the completion of deficient documents.
(05/018) Suspicious Private Death in Bitlis…
According to the news appeared in the press on 3 May 2016, Adem Gül (23) who was serving for compulsory military service in Yelkenli Gendarmerie Station in Tatvan district of Bitlis accidentally shot himself to death.
(05/019) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
According to the news appeared in the press on 3 May 2016, 2 persons who were killed during the armed clashes in Yüksekova district and transferred to Erzurum were identified as YPS members Cahit Ekmekçi (Roni Serhat) and Ferdi Aydemir (Andok Eşit).
1 gendarmerie solider was killed and 3 soldiers were wounded when a gendarmerie station was attacked nearby Çığlı village of Çukurca district in Hakkari. Curfew was imposed in the village after the attack.
Üçyol Gendarmerie Station on Mardin-Şanlıurfa road was attacked with a bomb vehicle on 3 May 2016. 1 soldier was killed, 4 soldiers and 1 civilian were wounded during the attack.
(05/020) Correspondents Detained…
Dicle News Agency (DİHA) correspondents Erdoğan Alayumat and Ergin Çağlar were detained on 3 May 2016 on Syrian border nearby Karbeyaz village of Altınözü district in Hatay province.
(05/021) Detentions and Arrests…
5 persons who were among 13 persons detained during the operations conducted against Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in İzmir were arrested on 3 May 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
2 persons were detained on 3 May 20”16 in Ortaklar town in Aydın province.
Metin Keleş who was detained in Adana was arrested on 3 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
(05/022) Columnist on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Anadolu (İstanbul) Penal Court of First Instance No 2 started on 2 May 2016 to hear the case against Murat Belge, columnist with the daily Taraf, launched in connection with his column “If you don’t vote for 400 MPs (Vermezsen 400’ü)” dating 12 September 2015. The indictment wants the defendant to be sentenced according to the Article 299 TPC for “insulting the State President”.
After the identification and first testimony of the defendant, the court adjourned the hearing to a later date for the completion of deficient documents.
- 05-09 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/023) Curfew in İdil…
Müslüm İlhan (8) died when an object he found exploded on 7 May 2016 in İdil district of Şırnak where night curfew was imposed after the completion of operations.
(05/024) Extra-judicial Killing in Şanlıurfa…
Gul Mihemed Temo (40) and Mıstefa Mihemed (22) were reportedly killed, Ebdulgani El Eli (29) was heavily wounded when military troops opened fire against them while trying to pass the border from Merkabe village of Rojava to Akçakale district of Şanlıurfa province in Turkey.
(05/025) Explosion in Çaldıran…
S.A. (16-erkek) and S.A. (15-erkek) were abounded when an object they found exploded on 7 May 2016 in Çaldıran district of Van.
(05/026) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
The civilian Adil Bülbül who was wounded during an armed attack on 2 May 2016 against the workers of a dam construction in Kürtün district of Gümüşhane died in the hospital.
2 workers were wounded when the construction of a hydro-electric power plant in Doğankent district of Gümüşhane was attacked on 2 May 2016.
HPG claimed both attacks.
The body of Abdülkadir Çelik who was killed during armed clashes in Yüksekova district of Hakkari and transferred to Erzurum was identified on 4 May 2016 by his family.
2 soldiers were killed and 1 soldier was wounded during an armed clash that broke out on 4 May 2016 nearby Kayalıkale village of Varto district in Muş.
6 militants were reportedly killed during the operations conducted following the attack on 4 May 2016 against a gendarmerie station nearby Çığlı village of Çukurca district in Hakkari.
1 police officer who was heavily wounded on 27 April 2016 when a bomb exploded during the passage of an armoured vehicle in Varto district of Muş died on 4 May 2016 in the hospital in Ankara.
1 police officer and 1 gendarmerie soldier were killed during the armed clashes on 5 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
YPS General Coordination announced on 5 May 2016 that YPS members Mehmet Ağırman and Ahmet Oğul in Nusaybin district of Mardin and 1 YPS member with the codename Arjin in Şırnak were killed during the armed clashes.
1 police officer who was heavily wounded during armed clashes on 26 April 2016 in Şırnak died on 7 May 2016 in Ankara.
Governorates of Tunceli imposed curfew on 5 May 2016 in 15 villages of Mazgirt district. Entrance of civilians to the security zones was also banned. After the completion of the military operations in the region, the curfew was lifted on 6 May 2016. 1 temporary village guard was reportedly wounded during the operations.
3 militants were reportedly killed during the operations conducted on 2 May 2016 in the rural area of Lice district in Diyarbakır.
A gendarmerie station was attacked with rocket launcher on 6 May 2016 nearby Çaldağ village of Giresun. The commander of the station was killed during the attack. Peoples’ United Revolution Movement (HBDH) composed of 8 Marxist-Leninist organisations and PKK claimed the attack.
The bodies of 3 YPS members who were killed during the armed clashes in Şırnak were reportedly buried on 6 May 2016 on order of the Governorate on the grounds that the bodies were not identified.
Governorates of Van announced on 6 May 2016 that tens of regions in Van city centre and districts of the province were decided to be temporary security zones for 15 days until from 6 May 2016 to 20 May 2016. Entrance of civilians to the security zones was also banned.
3 TİKKO (Liberation Army of the Workers and Peasants of Turkey) militants from HBDH were reportedly killed during an armed clash that broke out on 7 May 2016 nearby Geyiksuyu village of Tunceli.
3 gendarmerie solider were killed and 2 soldiers were wounded when a bomb exploded on 8 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
(05/027) Suspicious Private Death in Tunceli…
Private Sefa Uzun who was serving for compulsory military service in Elmalı Gendarmerie Station in Tunceli allegedly died on 8 May 2016 for receiving electric shock. He was registered to Erzurum province.
(05/028) Bomb Attack in Gaziantep…
The police officer who was heavily wounded during the bomb vehicle attack on 1 May 2016 against the Security Directorate in Gaziantep died on 6 May 2016 in the hospital. The number of casualties reached 3 police officers.
(05/029) Rockets Launched from Syria to Kilis…
IS/ISIS continued to launch rockets from Syria to city centre of Kilis province on 5 May 2016. Nisa Döne Sezer (6) was killed and 10 persons including a police officer were wounded during the attacks.
(05/030) Tahir Elçi Investigation…
According to the news appeared in the press on 4 May 2016, the expert completed its crime scene investigation report concerning the killing of Tahir Elçi.
The expert reportedly alleged in its report that to determine of the weapon, firing azimuth, and the position of the victim was not possible physically and medically.
(05/031) Death in Prison…
Ferhat Sarıhan (23) incarcerated in Oltu (Erzurum) T-type Prison who was hospitalised after 9 hours after having cerebrovascular problems in his cell on the night of 2 May 2016 died on 6 May 2016 in the hospital.
(05/032) Former MP’s Condition in Prison…
According to the news appeared in the press on 2 May 2016, İzmir MP Tuncay Özkan started stem cell therapy in Germany after losing 1/3 of his liver as a consequence of the conditions in in Silivri L-type Prison between 2008 and 2014. During the examination of his liver, traces of radiation and DDT were allegedly found in his liver.
(05/033) Protester Convicted in İzmir…
İzmir Penal Court of First Instance concluded on 6 May 2016 to hear the case against Ayla Subaşı launched for reading a public statement on 22 August 2016 during a demonstration organised by the Independent Revolutionary Class Platform (BDSP) in İzmir.
The court sentenced the defendant to 10 months’ imprisonment under the Article 318 TPC for “turning people against military service”.
(05/034) Correspondent Convicted in Mardin…
Midyat (Mardin) Heavy Penal Court started on 5 May 2016 to hear the case against Murat Verim, Dicle News Agency (DİHA) correspondent and worker with the press and public relations unit of Dargeçit Municipality, who was detained during the operations conducted on 10 January 2016 in Dargeçit district of Mardin.
The court sentenced the defendant at the first hearing of the case to 6 years’ imprisonment for “committing crime in the name of an illegal organisation without being a member of the organisation”.
(05/035) Journalists on Trial…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Heavy Penal Court No 14 concluded on 6 May 2016 to hear the case against Can Dündar, editor-in-chief of the daily Cumhuriyet, and Erdem Gül, Ankara representative of the paper. The journalist were arrested on 26 November 2016 in connection with an investigation started concerning the news appeared in the paper on the transportation of fire arms to Syria by National Intelligence Service (MİT) and realised on 25 March 2016 to be tried without remand.
The indictment wanted the defendants to be sentenced for “revealing information on the security of the state”, “political and military espionage”, “revealing confidential information”, and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
The court sentenced Can Dündar to 5 years and 10 months’ imprisonment for “revealing confidential information of the state” and Edem Gül to 5 years’ imprisonment for the same reason. The court acquitted the defendants of remaining accusations.
Can Dündar was organised an armed attack by Murat Şahin in front of Çağlayan Court House. He was attacked while being interview by a TV channel. Can Dündar was not wounded, but Yağız Şenkal who was making the interview was shot at leg and wounded. The attacker Murat Şahin and 4 persons were detained in connection with the attack
(05/036) Columnist on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
İstanbul Penal Court of First Instance No 2 started on 4 May 2016 to hear the case against Işıl Özgentürk, columnist with the daily Cumhuriyet, launched in connection with her column “Southeast for very gentle, very sensitive ones (Çok nazik, çok hassas olanlar için Güneydoğu)” published on 19 August 2015. The indictment wants the defendant to be sentenced for “insulting the State President”.
After the identification and testimony of the defendant, the court adjourned the hearing to 11 October 2016 for the completion of deficient documents.
(05/037) Political Party Executives on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Mersin Penal Court of First Instance No 6 concluded on 4 May 2016 to hear the case against Labour Party executive for Mersin province Mehmet Taşçı launched in connection with the speech he gave during demonstration organised on 13 October 2015 in Mersin to protest in the Ankara Massacre. The indictment wants the defendant to be sentenced for “insulting the State President”.
After the final defence as to the accusations, the court acquitted the defendant on the grounds that the elements of crime were not materialised.
(05/038) Correspondent on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Antalya Penal Court of First Instance No 20 started on 5 May 2016 to hear the case against Dicvele News Agency (DİHA) correspondent Feyyaz İmrak launched on charges of “insulting the State President” with the twits he shared on the internet.
Feyyaz İmrak who was under arrest in another case launched on charges of “being member of an illegal organisation” testified at the hearing and the court adjourned the hearing to a later date.
(05/039) Investigations, Detentions and Arrests on the Allegations of Insulting State President…
H.A. and her/his spouse H.A. who were detained in Manavgat district of Antalya on the allegations of “insulting State President” with the messages they shared on the internet were arrested on 4 May 2016.
Fatih Feriz was detained on 5 May 2016 in Osmaniye province on the allegations of “insulting the State President” with the leaflet he was distributing for 1 May celebrations.
(05/040) Correspondents on Trial in İstanbul…
According to the news appeared in the press on 3 May 2016, a court case was launched against JINHA correspondents Ceren Karlıdağ and Öykü Dilara Keskin who were detained while following a demonstration on 15 November 2015 in İstanbul. Their press cards were also seized on the allegations that “JINHA was an illegal news agency”.
The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” and “violating Law on Meetings and Demonstrations”. İstanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 wills start to hear the case on 28 June 2016.
(05/041) Web Site Banned…
On 5 May 2016, Telecommunication Communication Directorate (TİB) banned access to the new domain of Dicle News Agency (DİHA). The number of the banned domains of DİHA reached 37.
(05/042) Protest Intervened in İstanbul…
The police intervened the demonstration organised by Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on 8 May 2016 in İstanbul to protest in the draft-law on immunity under the title “Hands off my Will and my MP (İrademe, vekilime dokunma)”. 10 persons were detained during the police intervention.
(05/043) Protest Intervened in Adana…
The police intervened the demonstration organised on 8 May 2016 in Adana under the title “Hands off my Will and my MP (İrademe, vekilime dokunma)” staged to protest in the draft-law on immunity. The police used real bullets to disperse the crowd and 1 person was shot at arm.
(05/044) Protest Intervened in Kahramanmaraş…
The soldiers intervened a demonstration staged on 7 May 2016 in Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş to protest in the construction of a refugee camp in Terolar region where most of the population was Alevite people. 18 persons were detained during the intervention.
(05/045) HRA Members on Trial in Erzurum…
Erzurum Heavy Penal Court No 2 started on 4 May 2016 to hear the case against Human Rights Association (HRA) members Erdal Özakçil, Yavuz Karabudak, Hamit Ateş who were arrested on 4 February 2016 after being detained during house raids in Erzurum. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
After the identification of the defendants, HRA members testified at the hearing in Kurdish. The court released the defendats Erdal Özakçil, Yavuz Karabudak and Hamit Ateş on TL 10,000 bond and adjourned the hearing to a later date.
(05/046) Students on Trial in Mersin…
Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 2 started on 5 May 2016 to hear the case against 30 students including 14 remanded defendants launched after a fight on 14 December 2015 between opposing groups in the campus of Mersin University. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation”, “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”, “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations”, “damaging public property”, and “resisting security forces”.
After the identification and testimonies of the defendants, the court decided to release 7 defendants to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 24 June 2016 for the completion of testimonies.
(05/047) Self-Governance Case in Batman…
Batman Heavy Penal Court No 2 continued on 4-5 May 2016 to hear the case against 54 persons launched in connection with the self-governance declaration in Batman. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced on the allegations of “disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state”.
The defendants including Batman Co-Mayors Sabri Özdemir and Gülistan Akel testified at the hearing. The court adjourned the hearing to 5 October 2016.
(05/048) Political Party Premises Attacked in İstanbul…
Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) premises in Kartal district of İstanbul was organised an armed attack on 3 May 2016. The attack caused material damage.
(05/049) Detentions and Arrests…
5 persons including Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) executive Merve Nur İşleyici who were detained during raids conducted against dormitories and houses in Isparta were arrested on 5 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Democratic Regions Party’s (DBP) former Co-Chair for Diyarbakır province Zübeyde Zümrüt who was detained during operations in Ankara was arrested on 6 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) Vice-Chair Fethiye Ok and Party Assembly member Soner Çiçek who were among 5 ESP members detained during operations conducted in Kürecik district of Malatya were arrested on 7 May 2016.
On 4 May 2016, the police raided the municipality of Derik district in Mardin and detained municipality worker Müslime Bahçeci.
Mehmet Birlik was detained on 4 May 2016 in Diyarbakır on the allegations that there was an search warrant against him issued in connection with an investigation started in Şırnak.
Dicle News Agency (DİHA) correspondent Mehmet Hakkı Yılmaz who was detained while reporting news on the bomb attack on 1 May 2016 in Gaziantep was arrested on 4 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted house raids on 5 May 2016 in Savur district of Mardin and detained 5 persons including DİHA correspondent Abdulkadir Turay.
Adil Gür, Mazlum Gür, Keser Gür and Abdi Aslan who were among 5 persons detained during a house raid on 1 May 2016 in Hacıbekir quarter of Van were arrested on 5 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”. Alleged PKK militant Mahmut Çar was killed during the raid.
- 10 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/050) Suspicious Private Death in Van…
A private who was serving for compulsory military service in Muradiye Military Induction Office in Van allegedly committed suicide on 8 May 2016 during night watch.
(05/051) Suspicious Private Death in Hatay…
Captain Rıza Fırat (31) who was on operation with his team in Dörtyol district of Hatay died on 9 May 2016 when he allegedly tumbled down a cliff.
(05/052) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
YPS General Coordination announced on 9 May 2016 that YPS member Abdulselam Dursun (Botan Kato) was killed during the armed clashes in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
1 gendarmerie solider who was wounded during the armed clashes on 9 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin reportedly died in the hospital.
According to the news appeared in the press on 9 May 2016, the bodies of 17 YPS members who were killed during the armed clashes in Yüksekova district of Hakkari and transferred to Erzurum for identification were reportedly buried on order of the Governorate on the grounds that the bodies were not identified.
2 police officers were killed and 1 police officer was wounded when a bomb exploded on 10 May 2016 in Hacıbekir quarter of İpekyolu district in Van.
(05/053) Detentions and Arrests…
5 persons including Dicle News Agency (DİHA) correspondent Abdulkadir Turay who were detained during house raids in Savur district of Mardin were arrested on 9 May 2016 on the allegations of “aiding an illegal organisation”.
Şükrü Salhan and Faysal Yaray who were among 8 persons detained during the house raids conducted in Adana were arrested on 9 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
16 persons who were detained during the operations conducted in Diyarbakır were arrested on 9 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”. Abdullah Ediş who was among 6 persons detained in Hakkari, İbrahim Şaman and Salih Karaviş who were detained in İdil district of Şırnak were also arrested on 9 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted operations against university students in Bitlis and detained 16 persons in connection with a “Patriotic Revolutionary Youth Movement (YDG-H) Investigation”.
İbrahim Acar and Özgür Sevim who were detained during a picnic in Nizip district of Gaziantep for “taking part in an alleged ideological Anatolian folk dance (halay) were arrested on 9 May 2016 for “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
- 11-13 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/054) Curfew in Cizre…
The body of Cizre People’s Assembly Co-Chair Asya Yüksel who was stuck in one of the 3 basements during the night-curfew in Cizre district of Şırnak was identified on 10 May 2016.
A.A. (5) and her/his father T.A. were wounded when an object A.A. found nearby cemetery exploded on 12 May 2016 in Cizre.
(05/055) Impunity in Extra-judicial Execution Investigation…
As a part of the operations conducted throughout Turkey, the police conducted a house raid on 25 July 2015 in Bağclar district of İstanbul in connection with a DHKP-C (Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party – Front) investigation. Günay Özarslan was shot to death by the police during the raid. 15 were found on the body of Günay Özarslan during the examination in Forensic Institute.
The police did not allow for 2 days the funeral of Günay Özarslan to be organised in Gazi quarter of İstanbul and used fire arms to disperse the crowd. At least 4 persons were wounded during the interventions. After the negotiations on 27 July 2015, Günay Özarslan was buried after funeral ceremony in the quarter.
According to the news appeared in the press on 11 May 2016, Public Prosecutor in İstanbul decided not to prosecute police officer who involved the incident. The decision was taken on the grounds that the action of the police officers was within the limits of self-defence and the police officers opened fire relying on the possible harm against the police or civilians.
(05/056) Bomb Attack in Diyarbakır…
5 persons died and at least 30 persons were wounded when a bomb vehicle exploded on 12 May 2016 in Sarıkamış quarter on Diyarbakır-Hani road.
(05/057) Bomb Attack in İstanbul…
9 persons including 6 soldiers were wounded when a bomb vehicle exploded during the passage of a military service vehicle on 12 May 2016 in Sancaktepe district of İstanbul.
(05/058) Bomb Attack in Diyarbakır…
3 persons died and 45 persons including 12 police officers were wounded ahen an armoured vehicle was attack with a bomb vehicle on 10 May 2016 in Diyarbakır. The persons who died during the attack were Mehmet Argul and Bismil Municipality Assembly members Tufan Tunç and Zafer Koluman detained during the operations conducted in Bismil district of Diyarbakır.
(05/059) Stop Warning…
1 person was killed and 1 person was wounded when the police opened fire against vehicle on 11 May 2016 in Şanlıurfa on the allegations that the driver did not obey the stop warning. The person killed allegedly was PKK militant Cüneyt Aydar (29).
(05/060) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
YPS General Coordination announced on 10 May 2016 that YPS members İsa Yılmaz (Dilhat) and Behlül Güngen (Murat) were killed during the armed clashed in Şırnak.
1 gendarmerie soldier was reportedly killed during the armed clashes on 10 May 2016 in Şırnak.
YPS member Ahmet Gökalp who was killed during the clashes in Sur district of Dİyarbakır was buried on 10 May 2016.
5 soldiers were wounded when a bomb exploded on 10 May 2016 during the passage of an armoured vehicle in Midyat district of Mardin.
1 gendarmerie soldier who was among 2 soldiers wounded during the clashes on 9 May 2016 in Şırnak reportedly died in the hospital.
According to the news appeared in the press on 10 May 2016, 5 persons who were killed during the operations in Sur district of Diyarbakır and transferred to Gaziantep were identified after DNA tests. The persons who were buried on 16 April 2016 were identified as Mahmut Oruç, Turgay Girçek, Cihat Morgül, Gündüz Akmeşe and Halit Güneş.
1 police officer was reportedly killed during the armed clash that broke out on 11 May 2016 in Bahçelievler quarter of Şırnak.
Police officer Kemal Çokgüler was organised an armed attack on 11 May 2016 in Ceylanpınar quarter of Şanlıurfa on his way back home. The police officer was heavily wounded during the attack.
1 gendarmerie soldier who was wounded during an armed clash on 5 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin died on 12 May 2016 in the hospital in Ankara.
6 soldiers were killed and 8 soldiers were wounded when a military base was attacked on 13 May 2016 nearby Aşita village of Çukurca district in Hakkari. A helicopter allegedly crashed while going to the military base for support and 2 soldiers died.
(05/061) Pressures in Prisons…
5 prisoners incarcerated in Van M-type Prison were reportedly transferred on 11 May 2016 to prisons in several provinces without their demands.
(05/062) Political Party Executive on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Düzce Penal Court of First Instance No 6 started on 11 May 2016 to hear the case against Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chair for central district in Düzce province Aydın Dursun. The was launched on charges of “insulting State President” for putting up a banner with the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s own expressions.
After the identification and testimony of Aydın Dursun, the court adjourned the hearing to alter date.
(05/063) Person on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Bursa Penal Court of First Instance No 2 concluded on 11 May 2016 to hear the case against Gizem Yerik launched on charges of “insulting the State President” with the messages on the internet on 27 February 2016.
The court sentenced the defendant to 4 years 8 months and 20 days’ imprisonment under the Article 299 TPC and released the defendant relying on the period served in prison during the trial.
(05/064) Journalist on Trial in Diyarbakır…
Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 4 continued on 10 May 2016 to hear the case against Jin News Agency (JINHA) correspondent Beritan Canözer who was arrested on 19 December 2015 on the allegations of “aiding an illegal organisation” after being detained while following a demonstration staged to protest in the curfew and blockade in Sur district of Diyarbakır. She was released at the previous hearing to be tried without remand.
After the final defence of the defendant as to the accusations, the court sentenced Beritan Canözer to 1 year and 4 months’ imprisonment under the Article 7/2 of Anti-Terror Law for “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
(05/065) Journalist on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Penal Court of First Instance No 2 started on 10 May 2016 to hear the case against Özgür Mumcu, columnist with the daily Cumhuriyet, launched on charges of “insulting the State President” for the expressions he used in his column on 18 May 2015.
After the testimony of the defendant as to the accusations, the court acquitted Özgür Mumcu on the grounds that the elements of crime were not materialised.
(05/066) Persons on Trial in Batman for Self-Governance Declaration…
Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 4 continued on 10 May 2016 to hear the case against 7 persons Co-Mayors in Silvan district Yüksel Bodakçı and Melikşah Teke launched in connection with the self-governance declaration in Silvan district of Diyarbakır. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for “attempting to disrupt the unity and territorial integrity of the state”.
After the defence as to the accusations, the court adjourned the hearing to 8 September 2016.
(05/067) Protesters on Trial…
5 Members of İstanbul Youth Coordination of Peoples’ Democratic Congress (Halkların Demokratik Kongresi – HDK) occupied the Provincial Directorate of Health on 1 February 2016 to protest in the curfews in the Southeast. The protesters opened a banner saying “You have the blood of Sur and Cizre on your hands; you will be defeated (Sur’un Cizre’nin kanı üzerinizde kaybedeceksiniz)”. The protesters and Dicle News Agency (DİHA) correspondent Elif Çetiner were detained and a court case was launched against the protesters.
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Heavy Penal Court No 13 started on 13 May 2016 to hear the case against Sunay Yavuz, Yağmur Emekdar, Zeynep Öztürk, Dilan Yılmaz, Şeyma Ustaoğlu and DİHA correspondent Elif Çetiner. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation”, “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” and “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations”.
The court acquitted all the defendant at the first hearing of the case on the allegations that the elements of crime were not materialised.
(05/068) Detentions and Arrests…
Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair Kamuran Yüksek was arrested on 13 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police raided Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) premises on 10 May 2016 in Denizli and detained at least 20 persons.
The police conducted house raids in Malatya and detained 10 İnönü University students. 7 students were arrested on 11 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Mehmet Özer (22) who was detained during a raid conducted by the gendarmerie in Tarsus district of Mersin in connection with a “Patriotic Revolutionary Youth Movement (YDG-H) Investigation” was arrested on 10 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Mesut Tanış, worker in premises of HDP in Siirt, was detained on 10 May 2016 when he left the premises to buy drinking water.
The police detained 9 students of Yüzüncü Yıl University in Van on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” during the graduation ceremony on 10 May 2016.
Security Forces conducted operations on 11 May 2016 in Şırnak province. 6 persons in Silopi district and 4 persons in İdil district were detained during the operations.
12 villagers were reportedly detained in Çukurca district of Hakkari.
4 persons including HDP Co-Chair for İdil district Ayten Erden who were detained in İdil district of Şırnak were arrested on 12 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted operations on 12 May 2016 in Şanlıurfa province and detained 24 persons including DBP members in Siverek, Suruç and Ceylanpınar districts.
Dicle News Agancy (DİHA) correspondents Nedim Türfent and Şermin Soydan were detained on 12 May 2015 during a road control in Van.
HDP Co-Chair for Hakkari province Metin Besi detained on 12 May 2016 in HDP premises.
- 14-16 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/069) Person Killed during Police Intervention…
Pınar Gemsiz was shot and heavily wounded on the balcony of her house when a clash broke out on 15 May 2016 during the police intervention against a demonstration in Gazi quarter of Sultangazi district n İstanbul. She was hospitalised, but died in the hospital.
The eyewitnesses alleged that Pınar Gemsiz was fired from an armoured police vehicle with the registration number “S84”.
(05/070) Stop Warning…
4 alleged Syrians were killed when the police opened fire against 2 motorcycles on 13 May 2016 in Viranşehir district of Şanlıurfa on the allegations of not obeying stop warning. The police allegedly found explosives and bomb set-ups.
(05/071) Explosion in İstanbul…
4 persons were wounded when a blast bomb exploded on 15 May 2016 under an overpass in Maltepe district of İstanbul.
(05/072) Curfew in Sur…
Curfew in 6 quarters of Sur district in Diyarbakır reached its 175th day as of 16 May 2016.
Bodies of 2 persons were reportedly taken from Sur district to Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital on 13 and 15 May 2016.
(05/073) Curfew in Şırnak…
Curfew in Şırnak reached its 63rd day as of 16 May 2016.
Ali Sümbül (22) who was wounded with shrapnel on 15 May 2016 in industrial zone in Bahçelievler quarter died of blood loss when ambulance was not allowed to take him to hospital.
1 woman was also wounded at her feet during the bombing of city centre. She was reportedly hospitalised.
(05/074) Explosion in Silopi…
1 child died and 2 children were wounded when an object they found on 15 May 2016nearby Celali stream in Silopi district of Şırnak exploded.
(05/075) Extra-judicial Killing in Van…
An unidentified person was found dead on 15 May 2016 in Hacıbekir quarter of İpekyolu district in Van.
(05/076) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
1 solider and 6 militants were killed, 6 soldiers were wounded during an armed clash that broke out on 15 May 2016 nearby Dağlıca village in Yüksekova district in Hakkari.
4 police officers were wounded when a police team was attacked with a rocket launcher on 15 May 2015 during operations conducted in Nusaybin district of Mardin where curfew was imposed for the last 63 days.
YPS members organised attacks on 15 May 2016 against Şırnak Security Directorate, Çakırsöğüt Gendarmerie Command, and the schools where security forces residing during the operations. 2 YPS members were reportedly killed and 6 police officers were wounded during the attacks.
4 militants were reportedly killed during an armed clash that broke out on 15 May 2016 in Karakurt region of Sarıkamış district in Kars.
YPS General Coordination announced on 15 May 2016 that YPS member Mazlum Ok (Agit Bagok) was killed during the armed clashes on 3 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin. YPS-JIN member Meryem Canpolat (Zehra Serhat) on 6 May 2016 and YPS member Necmettin Doğan (Rojhat Rengin) on 7 May 2016 were also killed in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
The bodies of 1 male and 2 female YPS members were reportedly found on 13 and 14 may 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
(05/077) Torture and Ill-treatment in Custody in Şanlıurfa…
Cumhuriyet quarter headman Nezir Atilla and Nahsan Dağtekin who were among 37 persons detained during the operations conducted in Şanlıurfa and its districts were reportedly subjected to torture and ill-treatment in Şanlıurfa Security Directorate and hospitalised on 13 May 2016. Nezir Atilla reportedly had brain haemorrhage and taken in intensive care unit.
(05/078) Pressures in Prisons…
According to the news appeared in the press on 13 May 2016, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair Kamuran Yüksek who was arrested on 13 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” was transferred to Kürkçüler (Adana) F-type Prison without his demand.
(05/079) Person Convicted in Mersin…
Tarsus (Mersin) Heavy Penal Court No 2 concluded on 13 May 2016 to hear the case Macide Boymul, board member of the union in education sector Eğitim-Sen branch in Tarsus, launched for sharing photo of YPG member Aziz Güler who was killed during armed clashes in Kobanê against IS/ISIS.
After the final defence as to the accusations, the court sentenced Macide Boymul to 2 years and 3 months’ imprisonment for “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”. (05/080) Former MP on Trial in İstanbul…
Anadolu (İstanbul) Penal Court of First Instance No 22 started on 12 May 2016 to hear the case against Sebahat Tuncel, Co-Spokesperson of Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) and former MP, launched on charges of “praising crime and criminals” in a speech she gave in İstanbul.
After the defence as to the accusations, the court acquitted the defendant on the grounds that the elements of crime were not materialised.
(05/081) Journal Editor on Trial in Diyarbakır…
Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 4 started on 12 May 2016 to hear the case against Muhammed Yusuf Keskin, editor-in-chief with the journal Yurtsever Gençlik Dergisi, who was arrested after the operations conducted on 24 February 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” relying on the names and phone numbers in his notebook.
After the identification and defence of Muhammed Yusuf Keskin, the court released the defendant to be tried without remand relying on the time served during pre-trial detention and adjourned the hearing to 22 September 2016.
(05/082) Web Site Banned…
On 14 May 2016, Telecommunication Communication Directorate (TİB) banned access to the new domain of Dicle News Agency (DİHA). The number of the banned domains of DİHA reached 38.
(05/083) Investigations, Detentions and Arrests on the Allegations of Insulting State President…
Ferdi Yaşar, Bayram Aksüt, Eyüp Yıldız and Mehmet Sürücü who were among 10 persons detained in Siverek district of Şanlıurfa were arrested on 13 May 2016 on the allegations of “insulting State President”.
(05/084) Detentions and Arrests…
Operations against Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) continued throughout Turkey. 14 students from Eren University in Bitlis were arrested on 14 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
HDP Co-Chair for Uludere district of Şırnak province Mesut Paksoy who was detained during a house raid was arrested on 14 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Special Forces conducted operations on 13 May 2016 in Şenoba town of Uludere district in Şırnak. Gürgün Oran and Mecit Keskin were reportedly detained during the operations.
Chair for Red Crescent Hakkari branch Fadıl Akçiçek who was detained in connection with the news “Here is the proof of ‘secret’ operation in Yüksekova/Gever district of Hakkari (İşte Gever’e ‘gizli’ operasyon belgesi)” released by Dicle News Agency (DİHA) was arrested on 15 May 2016 on the allegations of “acquiring and disclosing confidential information for political or military espionage”.
DİHA correspondent Nedim Türfent who was detained during a road control in Van was arrested on 13 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”. Şermin Soydan was also arrested on 14 May 2016 on the allegations of “acquiring and disclosing confidential information for political or military espionage”.
Mehmet Yalçın, Yunus Kısa, Ümit Ertaş and Feher Tarım who were among 19 persons detained during the raid of HDP premises in Denizli were arrested on 13 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
Kongreya Jinen Azad (KJA) Spokesperson in Şırnak province Saadet İdin was arrested on 13 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Aram Publishing editor Ferzende Taşan who was detained on 13 May 2016 in Kadıköy district of İstanbul was arrested on the same day on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Diljin Dinç, Selman Dinç, Rıdvan Aslan, Abdulkerim Aslan, Rezan Başak and Mahsun Alkış who were detained in Nusaybin district of Mardin were was arrested on the same day on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted operations against HDP on 13 May 2016 in Antalya and reportedly detained 8 persons.
HDP executive in Diyadin district of Ağsı province HDP Kaddafi Zorbay was arrested on 12 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”. Ali İhsan Kazat who was among 4 persons detained Elazığ and Baran Barış Korkmaz who was detained in Pertek district of Tunceli were also arrested on 12 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
- 17 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/086) Curfew in Silopi…
Abuzeyit Tan who was wounded with shrapnel on 6 April 2016 in Silopi district of Şırnak during the 18-day curfew in the district imposed until on 22 April 2016 died on 16 May 2016 in the hospital in Batman.
(05/087) Bomb Attack in Diyarbakır…
According to the news appeared in the press on 16 May 2016, the DNA tests revealed that 13 persons who were missing since the explosion of a bomb truck on 12 May 2016 in Sarıkamış quarter on Diyarbakır-Hani road were also killed during the explosion.
(05/088) Persons Killed in Rojava…
Fida Mihemed Elî (20-female) was killed on 16 May 2016 in Qamişlo city of Rojava region in Syria when Turkish tanks opened fire from Nusaybin district of Mardin to Qamişlo. E.M. Elî (14) and her/his father Mihemed Ehmed Elî (50) were also wounded during the attack.
(05/089) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
1 gendarmerie solider was killed and 4 soldiers were wounded during an armed clash on 16 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin. 1 of the wounded soldiers died in the hospital.
1 gendarmerie soldier who was on operation with his team on Mount Ararat and allegedly tumbled down a cliff died on 16 May 2016 in the hospital.
According to the news appeared in the press on 16 May 2016, the body of an YPS member who was killed during the operations conducted in Silopi district of Şırnak was identified as İslam Araz.
9 members of YPS and YPS-JIN wre reportedly killed during the operations on 16 May 2016in Yeni and Tekser quarters of Şırnak.
Governorate of Şırak imposed curfew in Ilıcak village of Beytüşşebap district starting from 05.00 am on 17 May 2016.
(05/090) Suspicious Death in Diyarbakır…
Yekta E. who was detained on 15 May 2016 and taken to Diyarbakır Court House allegedly committed suicide by jumping off 4th floor of the Court House while being handcuffed. Yekta E. was hospitalised, but died on 16 May 2016 in the hospital.
(05/091) Association Chair on Trial in Mersin…
According to the news appeared in the press on 16 May 2016, a court case was launched against Solidarity with Rojava Association (Mersin Rojava Yardımlaşma Derneği) Chairperson Cüneyt Takuş on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” and “insulting the State President” with the post on social media. Cüneyt Takuş was arrested on 7 April 2016.
The indictment wants the defendant to be sentenced to 191 years’ imprisonment for committing the crime 34 times. Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 21 June 2016.
(05/092) Person on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Ankara Penal Court of First Instance No 33 concluded on 16 May 2016 to hear the case against teacher Fadime Kaplan, representative the union in education sector Eğitim-Sen in her school, launched for reading a statement of the union in the garden of the school concerning the Ankara Massacre of 10 October 2015.
After the final defence as to the accusation, the court acquitted the defendant.
(05/093) Web Site Banned…
On 16 May 2016, Telecommunication Communication Directorate (TİB) banned access to the new domain of Dicle News Agency (DİHA). The number of the banned domains of DİHA reached 39.
(05/094) Newroz Celebrations Trials…
İskenderun (Hatay) Heavy Penal Court No 2 started on 16 May 2016 to hear the case against 10 students including 7 remanded defendants launched in connection with Newroz celebrations on 19 March 2016 in İskenderun district of Hatay.
The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”. After the identification and testimonies of the present defendants, the court decided to release 7 students to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 22 June 2016 for the completion of deficient documents.
(05/095) Detentions and Arrests…
Special Forces conducted operations on 16 May 2016 in Şenoba town of Uludere district in Şırnak and detained Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair for the town Feyzi Babat.
2 health workers who were detained in Van were arrested on 14 May 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
19 persons including 11 children who were among 22 persons detained during house raids in Adana were arrested on 16 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Hakkı Seyhan, Mehmet Cebe and Abdullah Aslan who were detained in Dargeçit district of Mardin were arrested on 16 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
- 18-19 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/096) Curfew in Cizre…
The body of Aydın Ertürk who was stuck in one of the 3 basements during the night-curfew in Cizre district of Şırnak was identified on 17 May 2016.
(05/097) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
YPS-JIN member Filiz Yağız (Binevş Gabar) who was killed during the armed clashes in Nusaybn district of Mardin was buried on 17 May 2016.
5 gendarmerie soldiers were wounded when a bomb exploded on 17 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
5 gendarmerie soldiers were also wounded when a bomb exploded on 18 May 2016 in Nusaybin. 1 gendarmerie solider was shot to death by a sniper on the same day.
2 soldiers were wounded when a bomb exploded on 17 May 2016 during the passage of an armoured vehicle on Ömerli-Midyat road in Mardin province.
4 soldiers were killed and 9 soldiers were wounded when a bomb exploded on 18 May 2016 during the passage of an armoured vehicle in Şemdinli district of Hakkari.
YPS member Abdullah Külter who was killed during the armed clashes in Şırnak was buried on 18 May 2016 after being identified.
1 soldier was killed during an armed clash that broke out on 19 May 2016 in Çatak district of Van.
2 soldiers were reportedly wounded during an armed clash on 19 May 2016 in tatvan district of Bitlis.
(05/098) Child Killed by the Police in İstanbul…
A civilian dressed police officer had a dispute with 2 persons on 18 May 2016 in Bağcılar district of İstanbul. The police opened fire against the persons and killed a Syrian child. 2 persons who involved the dispute were also wounded.
(05/099) Armed Attack in İstanbul…
The police intervened a group of persons who staged an action on 17 May 2016 in Gazi quarter of Sultangazi district in İstanbul. The group opened fire against a taxi while escaping on the grounds that the driver did not stop. The driver Şeref Çakırmanoğlu (55) was killed.
(05/100) Suspicious Private Death in Tekirdağ…
Serkan Pamuk (21) who was serving for compulsory military service in Tekirdağ Prison was allegedly committed suicide during night watch on 18 May 2016. He was registered to Denizli.
(05/101) Association Chair on Trial in Mersin…
According to the news appeared in the press on 18 May 2016, a court case was launched against Solidarity with Rojava Association (Mersin Rojava Yardımlaşma Derneği) Chairperson Cüneyt Takuş on the allegations of “insulting public officer”.
The indictment wants the defendant to be sentenced to term of imprisonment according to the Article 125 TPC. Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 11 will start to hear the case on 7 June 2016.
Cüneyt Takuş was arrested on 7 April 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” and “insulting the State President” with the post on social media.
(05/102) Web Site Banned…
On 19 May 2016, Telecommunication Communication Directorate (TİB) banned access to the new domain of Dicle News Agency (DİHA). The number of the banned domains of DİHA reportedly reached 40.
(05/103) March in Ankara…
Governorate of Ankara banned the march from Kızılay Square to Atatürk’s Mausoleum organised by Republican People’s Party (CHP) on 19 May 2016. The ban decision was taken for security reasons.
(05/104) Protesters n Trial in İzmir…
İzmir Penal Court of First Instance No 13 started on 17 May 2016 to hear the case against 15 executives of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) launched in connection with a sit-in action staged on 10 November 2015 in front of Governorate of İzmir to protest in the blockade and human rights violations in Silvan district of Diyarbakır. The indictment wanted the defendants to be sentenced for “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations” and the court acquitted all the defendants at the first hearing of the case.
(05/105) Persons on Trial in Ankara…
Ankara Heavy Penal Court No 2 continued on 17 May 2016 to hear the case against 7 persons including a remanded defendant launched after the raid of Arin Mirkan Centre of Youth and Culture (Arin Mirkan Gençlik Kültür Merkezi) on 3 December 2015 in Mamak district of Ankara. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Since the judges of the case were recently appointed to the case, the minutes of the previous hearings were read. The case of Ömer Altun who was killed on 16 March 2016 during the curfew in Bağlar district of Diyarbakır was separated and closed. The court rejected the release demand for the only remanded defendant Mehmet Zeki Gönüldaş and adjourned the hearing to 14 July 2016.
(05/106) Detentions and Arrests…
Mehmet Selim Akman who was detained in Batman and brought to Nusaybin where curfew was imposed was arrested on 17 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police raided Aram Publishing’s stand in Diyarbakır Book Fair on 18 May 2016 in connection with the posters of the writers. Emine Özkeskin, worker with the Aram Publishing, was detained.
- 20 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/107) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
3 gendarmerie soldiers were killed and 6 soldiers were wounded when a trapped bomb exploded on 19 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
YPS General Coordination announced on 19 May 2016 that YPS members Yusuf Altıdal (Serxwebun Mardin) and Ali Akman (Zagros Cilo) were killed during the armed clashes on 17 May 2016 in Şırnak.
(05/108) Person on Trial in Antalya…
A court case was reportedly launched against D.K. in connection with the comments s/he shared with the hashtags #DirenSur (ResistSur) and #YalnızDeğilsin (YoureNotAlone). S/he was detained in Konyalatı district of Antalya and arrested on 14 April 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”. Antalya Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 22 June 2016.
(05/109) Persons on Trial in Aydın…
According to the news appeared in the press on 19 May 2016, a court case was launched against 46 persons for signing the petition “If demanding peace is a crime, we do take part in this crime” to support the signatories of the petition “Academics for Peace”. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
Söke (Aydın) Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 19 October 2016.
(05/110) Detentions and Arrests…
Ahmet Çetiner, Mevlüt Toprak, Pelda Arşimet, Remzi Akkaya, Veysi Birol, Özgür Bulut and Ekrem Yapıcı who were among 12 persons detained during house raids in Diyarbakır were arrested on 19 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
İbrahim Ötker who was detained in Dargeçit district of Mardin and Erdal Kotan who was detained in Pertek district of Tunceli were arrested on 19 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
- 21-23 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/111) Extra-judcial Execution in Hakkari…
Sami Kaplan was shot to death and Yakup Onay was wounded when military troops opened fire on 22 May 2016 against villagers who protested and resisted the raid of Bêmbo in Şemdinli district of Hakkari.
(05/112) Curfew in Cizre…
The body of Ferhat Erçiçek/Özlüer (?) who was killed during armed clashes in Cizre district of Şırnak and buried in a cemetery in Yafes quarter was identified after DNA tests. The body was taken by his family on 20 May 2016.
(05/113) Curfew in Sur…
Curfew in 6 quarters of Sur district in Diyarbakır reached its 164th day as of 23 May 2016.
Governorate of Diyarbakır lifted the curfew in 14 streets of Savaş, Dabanoğlu and Fatihpaşa quarters starting from 22 May 2016.
(05/114) Bomb Attack in Diyarbakır…
1 police officer who was wounded during the attack against an armoured vehicle on 10 May 2016 in Diyarbakır died on 20 May 2016 in the hospital in Ankara. 3 detainees were killed during the attack.
(05/115) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
YPS members Şehmus Olcan and Agit Saltık who were killed during armed clashes in Şırnak and whose bodies were kept in Şırnak State Hospital were identified by their families on 22 May 2016.
YPS General Coordination announced on 22 May 2016 that YPS member Bedel Öncü (Tirêj Goyi) was killed during an armed clash on 9 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin. According to the announcement, YPS-JIN member Kübra Aba (Mizgin Gever) was also killed during the clashes on 19 May 2016.
YPS also announced that YPS members Şehmus Özcan (Xoşmer Cudi) and Birkay Ürmez (Tekoşer Nusaybin) were killed during the armed clashes in Şırnak. According to the announcement, YPS members Abdülselam Değer (Kendai Qoser) and Kader Uzanga (Tekoşin Amed) died during an accident.
Temporary village guard Kazım Kavak who was shot and wounded during an attack on 20 May 2016 in Bağlıca village of Artuklu district in Mardin died in the hospital. 8 soldiers were wounded when a trapped bomb exploded during the operations started after the attack.
Security Forces conducted operations on 21 May 2016 in Abdülkadirpaşa quarter of Nusaybin district in Mardin. 5 gendarmerie soldiers were wounded when a bomb exploded during the operations.
1 soldier who was among 9 soldiers wounded when a bomb exploded during the passage of an armoured vehicle on 18 May 2016 in Şemdinli district of Hakkari died on 20 May 2016 in the hospital.
On 21 May 2016, PKK militants raided a construction site in Ovacık district of Tunceli and abducted 3 workers.
1 soldier was killed when Tekeli Battalion in Şemdinli district of Hakkari was attacked on 21 May 2016 with howitzers.
2 militants were killed and 1 soldier was wounded during an armed clash that broke out after the attack against Durak gendarmerie station on 22 May 2016 in Şemdinli district of Hakkari.
1 gendarmerie soldier who was wounded during an armed clash on 12 May 2016 in Şırnak died on 23 May 2016 in the hospital in Ankara.
(05/116) Explosion in Diyarbakır…
R.D. (10-boy) was heavily wounded when an object he found in Şehitlik quarter of Yenişehir district in Diyarbakır exploded on 19 May 2016.
(05/117) Armed Attack in Adana…
Police officer Yılmaz Bozkurt (45) was organised an armed attack on 20 May 2016 in Gülbahçe quarter of Seyhan district in Adana and heavily wounded. The police officer hospitalised, but died in the hospital.
(05/118) Bomb Attack in Hatay…
1 soldier was killed and 1 civilian was wounded when a bomb exploded in a boat on 22 May 2016 in Samandağı coast in Hatay. Coast Guard reportedly seized the boat on the allegations that there were human bodies in the boat.
(05/119) Death in Prison…
Ramis K. (50) who was suffering from schizophrenia and arrested for stabbing 3 relatives and killing on 14 May 2016 in Antalya one was found dead on 20 May 2016 in a toilet in Antalya L-type Prison. Ramis K. allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself.
(05/120) Political Party Premises Raided in Diyarbakır…
The police raided the premises of Democratic Regions Party (DBP) in Diyarbakır on 21 May 2016. The reason of the raid was not disclosed.
(05/121) Detentions and Arrests…
The police conducted operations against Democratic Regions Party (DBP) and Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in Saray district of Van. 9 persons were detained during the house raids on 22 May 2016.
Deniz Kazan and Sinan Kırmızıçiçek who were detained during house raids in Tunceli were arrested on 20 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
- 24 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/122) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
1 captain and 2 gendarmerie soldiers were wounded during the armed clashes on 23 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin.
1 police officer who was wounded during an armed clash on 5 April 2016 in Silopi district of Şırnak died on 23 May 2016 in the hospital in Ankara.
1 militant was allegedly killed during an armed clash that broke out on 23 May 2016 in Yüksekova district of Hakkari.
(05/123) Child Shot in Antalya…
O.T. (17-erkek) was allegedly shot at arm and wounded when the police opened fire to disperse a group of persons on 21 May 2016 in Muratpaşa district of Antalya.
(05/124) Impunity in Dilan Kortak Investigation…
Anti-Terror branch conducted a house raid on 3 December 2015 in Sancaktepe district of İstanbul on the allegations that PKK militants were residing in the house. Dilan Kortak (20) was shot to death and 3 persons were detained during the raid.
According to the news appeared in the press on 23 May 2016, Anadolu (İstanbul) Public Prosecutor concluded the investigation concerning the killing of Dilan Kortak. Public Prosecutor decided not to prosecute.
(05/125) Pressures in Prisons…
According to the news appeared in the press on 23 May 2016, 8 prisoners incarcerated in Osmaniye T-type Prison for being convicted in PKK cases were transferred to Ermenek (Karaman) M-type Prison without their demand.
(05/126) Protest Intervened in İstanbul…
The police intervened a group of persons who gathered on Halaskârgazi Avenue in İstanbul on 23 May 2016 and wanted to march to İstanbul Congress Centre to protest in the 1st World Humanitarian Summit. 15 persons were detained during the intervention.
(05/126) Meeting Prevented in Mardin…
The police prevented the “Democratic People’s Meeting against Coup d’état (Darbeye karşı demokratik halk buluşması)” organised on 23 May 2016 in kızıltepe district of Mardin and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least 10 persons were wounded and 30 persons were detained during the police intervention.
(05/127) Person on Trial in Antalya…
According to the news appeared in the press on 23 May 2016, a court case was launched against Fırat Ünver who was arrested after a house raid on 15 April 2016 in Antalya. The indictment wants the defendant to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
The photos of Fırat Ünver taken on a highland in Uludere district of Şırnak were also presented as evidence by the Public Prosecutor. Antalya Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 23 June 2016.
(05/128) Detentions and Arrests…
The police conducted raids on 23 May 2016 against the premises of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and houses in Pertek district of Tunceli. 18 persons including HDP Co-Chair for the district Yusuf Makal were detained on the allegations of “takng part n the self-governance declaration”. The names of the detainees are as follows: İsmail Sefer, Murat Sefer, İlhan Sefer, Suat Sefer, Onur Sefer, Mehmet Hanifi Sert, Ergün Baktemur, Yasemin Fındık, Fethiye Gel, Cafer Sefer, Burkan Deniz, Fecire Doğru, Erdem Doğru, Leyla Elma, Zafer Fındık, Aygün Demirel.
The children Y.B., D.E., C.T., U.Ö., A.K. and M.Z. who were among 12 persons detained in Ceyhan district of Adana were arrested on 23 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
- 25 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/129) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
7 police officers and 4 gendarmerie soldiers were wounded during an armed clash and an explosion on 24 May 2016 in Abdülkadirpaşa quarter of Nusaybin district in Mardin.
6 soldiers including Çaldıran Gendarmerie Commander Binbaşı Kıvanç Cesur were killed and 2 soldiers were wounded when a bomb exploded during the passage of an armoured vehicle on 24 May 2016 in Gülizar hamlet of Soğuksu village in Çaldıran district of Van.
1 soldier was wou ded when Bölükyazı gendarmerie station in Bitlis was opened fire on 24 May 2016.
On 25 May 2016, Governorate of Mardin imposed curfew in 13 villages of Ömerli, Midyat and Nusaybin districts on the grounds of military operations to be conducted in the region.
(05/130) Persons Killed in Şırnak…
3 persons were allgedly killed by the police on 24 May 2016 nearby Xezaye village on Cizre-Silopi road in Şırnak.
The road was closed on the day of incident on the roads that a bomb exploded on the road. Some national media alleged that the killed persons were carrying explosive and died due to explosinon. But some others allged that the persons were PKK militants and were killed during a armed clash.
(05/131) Torture and Ill-treatment in Custody in İstanbul…
The police detained Dilek Arzu and Dilek Tataş on 24 May 2016 in Sultanbeyli district of İstanbul by puttings bags on their heads.
The detainees were reportedly handcuffed from behind and beaten in the police vehicle. Police officers also sat on them in the vehicle.
(05/132) Detentions and Arrests…
Hüseyin Kaya, Hacı Baysal, Emrah Aydın, Ömer Konuk, Mustafa Özer and Muzaffer Bahadır who were among 12 persons detained in Ceyhan district of Adana were arrested on 24 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”. 6 children were previously arrested on 23 May 2016.
Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chairs for Erciş district in Van province Mustafa Sağlam and Hatice Yıldız were detained during house raids conducted on 24 May 2016 in Erciş.
14 students were detained during raids conducted on 24 May 2016 against the houses and premises of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) premises in Çanakkale.
HDP Co-Chair for Hozat district in Tunceli province Sinan Karakoç, Önder Aslan, Hüseyin Yeşil and Oktay Rüzgar were detained during operations conducted against HDP in Hozat.
Gendarmerie soldiers conducted raids in Qurdî village of Hınıs district in Erzurum and detained 14 persons.
The police conducted operations in Adana against United Revolutionary Party and detained 12 persons.
Fetullah Kaplan, Adem Dinç and Seba Arıcı who were among 5 persons detained in Bembo village of Şemdinli district in Hakkari were arrested on 24 May 2016 on the allegations of “aiding an illegal organisation”.
- 26 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/133) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
1 soldier and 2 temporary village guards died, 2 soldiers were wounded when Anıtlı Gendarmerie Station was attacked with a bomb vehicle on 25 May 2016 in Midyat district of Mardin.
The body of YPS-JIN member Sonay Engin who was kept in Gaziantep since being killed during armed clashes on 31 March 2015 was taken by her family after being identified on 25 May 2016.
Governorate of Tunceli announced on 25 May 2016 that 11 regions in Tunceli city centre and Nazımiye, Ovacık, Pülümür districts were decided to be temporary security zones until 1 September 2016. Entrance of civilians to the security zones was also banned.
8 HPG militants were allegedly killed in a cave during the operations conducted on 25 May 2016 in Beri Zinar region of Zewkan village in Yüksekova district of Hakkari.
(05/134) Mehmet Ayvalıtaş Case…
Anadolu (İstanbul) Heavy Penal Court No 8 continued on 25 May 2016 to hear the case against Mehmet Görkem Demirbaş (19) and Cengiz Aktaş launched in connection with the killing of Mehmet Ayvalıtaş (21). On 2 June 2013, the defendants drove their car into the crowd during a Gezi Park demonstration in Ümraniye district of İstanbul and caused the death of Mehmet Ayvalıtaş.
The lawyers of Ayvalıtaş family objected the expert’s report alleging that Mehmet Ayvalıtaş was the only and fully negligent during the incident. The court adjourned the hearing to 12 July 2016.
(05/135) Investigations, Detentions and Arrests on the Allegations of Insulting State President…
The police raided the radio station Radyo Karacadağ on 25 May 2016 in Şanlıurfa and detained 3 workers of the station on the allegations of “insulting the State President in the programmes of the radio”.
(05/136) Publishing House Raided in İstanbul…
The police raided on 25 May 2016 the premises of publishing house Ozan Yayıncılık in Gazi quarter of Sultangazi district Istanbul. 7 persons who were working on the pre-printing of the journal Yürüyüş were detained during the raid.
(05/137) Protest Intervened in İzmir…
The police intervened the demonstration staged by the Aegean University students on 25 May 2016 in İzmir to protest in the turnstiles at the gates of the university and faculties. 17 members of Student Collectives were detained under beating during the intervention.
(05/138) Ban on Meetings and Demonstrations in Hakkari…
Governorate of Hakkari made an announcement on 25 May 2016 and banned all the meetings and demonstrations, public statements in all districts of the province. (05/139) Association Closed in Mardin…
According to the news appeared in the press on 25 May 2016, Midyat (Mardin) Civil Court of First Instance No 1 concluded to hear the case launched by Directorate of Associations in Mardin with the demand of closure of the association Şemikan Birliği Derneği on the grounds that the association was working in the fields of health, international relations, fraud, environment, migration and poverty in contradiction to its statute; having Co-Chairs in contradiction the the Law on Associations, and using word “union” in addition to association.
After the final defence as to the demand of the Directorate of Association, the court ruled the closure of the association.
(05/140) Students on Trial in İstanbul…
İstanbul Heavy Penal Court No 14 continued on 25 May 2016 to hear the case against 14 university students including 7 remanded defendants launched on charges of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Following the testimonies of the students, the court decided for the continuation of the arrest of the defendants Şilan Okut, Jülide Yazıcı, Mehtap Demirci, Heja Türk, Sinem Oğuz, Çağrı, Metin Arslan and adjourned the hearing to 18 July 2016.
(05/141) Detentions and Arrests…
Operations against Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) continued on 25 May 2016 throughout Turkey.
7 persons in Birecik district of Şanlıurfa, 5 persons in Siirt, 1 person in Diyarbakır, 15 persons including DBP Co-Chair Demet Paksoy in Gaziantep were detained during the operations conducted by the police and the gendarmerie.
Candeniz Yavalı and Siirt University Students’ Council Representative Aziz Baday who were among 5 persons detained in Siirt were arrested on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Amed Kurdish Language Research and Development Association (Amed Kürt Dili Araştırma ve Geliştirme Derneği – KURDÎ-DER) Co-Chair Ozan Kılınç was detained during a house raid conducted by the police in Diyarbakır.
10 persons including 3 children who were among 12 persons detained during the operations against United Revolutionary Party (Birleşik Devrimci Parti) in Adana were arrested on 25 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of the illegal Turkey Northern Kurdistan Liberation Organisation (Türkiye Kuzey Kürdistan Kurtuluş Örgütü – TKKKÖ)”.
- 27-30 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/142) Disappearance in Custody Allegation in Şırnak…
Special Forces in charge for the operations and blockade in Şırnak announced on 27 May 2016 on twitter account that Democratic Regions Party (DBP) executive for the province Hurşit Külter was detained and executed.
Hurşit Külter sent the message “I am besieged, hope you bless me” earlier same day. But Security Directorate, Gendarmerie Command and Public Prosecutor in Şırnak denied the detention of Hurşit Külter on the grounds that such a detention was not officially registered. Hurşit Külter who was possibly extra-judicially executed is still disappeared as of 30 May 2016.
(05/143) Curfew in Nusaybin…
YPS and YPS-JIN announced retreat on 25 May 2016 from Nusaybin district of Mardin where curfew was imposed for the last 74 days. The decision was taken on the grounds of possible civilian casualties in the districts. 42 persons were detained following the announcement. 25 detainees were arrested on 28 May 2016 after the completion of interrogations on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” and “attempting to disrupt the unity and territorial integrity of the state”.
(05/144) Curfew in Yüksekova…
Around the clock curfew in Yüksekova district of Hakkari was lifted after 79 days of implementation. And the Governorate imposed night curfew on 30 May 2016. The operations in the district were completed on 20 April 2016.
(05/145) Killing by Unidentified Assailant in Mardin…
Headman of Bahçebaşı quarter Memet Acu’s body who was abducted on 26 May 2016 in Yeşilli district of Mardin was found burnt on 27 May 2016.
(05/146) Massacre Attempt in Şırnak…
Vedat Encü (16) was killed when border trader villagers were bombed with howitzers on 29 May 2016 nearby Roboski village of Uludere district in Şırnak where 34 villagers were previously killed by military planes. Yılmaz Encü (20), Siyar Encü (21), İ. Encü (15-male) and Ö. Encü (15-male) were also wounded during the attack.
(05/147) Stop Warning…
Deniz Önkol, Giyas Önkol and Abdulvahap Özek were wounded when gendarmerie soldiers opened fire against a vehicle for not obeying the stop warning during a road control on 27 May 2016 nearby Genç district on Bingöl-Diyarbakır road.
Giyas Önkol was arrested on 28 May 2016 in the hospital before his treatment was completed.
(05/148) Operations and Attacks in the Southeast…
1 gendarmerie soldier and 1 police officer were killed, 9 members of security forces were wounded when a trapped bomb exploded on 26 May 2016 in Yenişehir quarter of Nusaybin district in Mardin.
The bodies of 4 YPS members who were killed in Nusaybin district were reportedly transferred on 27 May 2016 to Mardin for identification. 2 soldiers were killed and 2 soldiers were wounded when an armed clash broke out on 26 May 2016 between military troops and Peoples’ United Revolution Movement (HBDH) composed of 8 Marxist-Leninist organisations in the rural area of Ovacık district in Tunceli.
5 temporary village guards and 1 civilian were wounded when Zeyrek gendarmerie station was attacked on 29 May 2016 with a bomb vehicle in Kulp district of Diyarbakır.
4 soldiers were wounded when a military base was attacked on 29 May 2016 nearby Dağlıca village of Yüksekova district in Hakkari. 1 first lieutenant was killed when Kanimasi military base was attacked on 29 May 2016 in Uludere district of Şırnak.
1 police officer was killed during an armed clash on 29 May 2016 in Bahçelievler quarter of Şırnak where curfew was imposed. The bodies of 41 YPS members who were killed during armed clashes in Şırnak were reportedly transferred Şırnak State Hospital on 30 May 2016 to Mardin for identification.
1 soldier was killed when Doğan military base was attacked on 29 May 2016 in Pervari district of Siirt.
2 militants were killed when an armed clash broke out on 27 May 2016 in mass housing in İpekyolu district of Van.
The worker Abdülkadir Bekirefendioğlu was heavily wounded when Yaşmaklı dam in Doğankent district of Giresun was organised a bomb attack on 26 May 2016.
2 soldiers and 1 temporary village guard were wounded when an armed clash broke out on 27 May 2016 nearby Kehê village of Hakkari.
(05/149) Rocket Launched from Syria to Kilis…
5 persons were wounded when IS/ISIS launched a rocket from Syria to Elbeyli district of Kilis province on 27 May 2016.
(05/150) Hrant Dink Case…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Heavy Penal Court No 14 continued on 24 May 2016 to hear the case against 37 persons including 6 remanded defendants in connection with the killing of Hrant Dink. The hearing continued for 3 days.
After the testimonies of the present defendants, the court rejected demand of the remanded defendants to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 20 June 2016.
(05/151) Emrah Demir Case…
According to the news appeared in the press on 27 May 2016, Karşıyaka (İzmir) Heavy Penal Court concluded to hear the case against the police officer Deniz G. launched in connection with the killing of Emrah Demir (21). The court sentenced the remanded defendant to 16 years and 8 months’ imprisonment.
Emrah Demir was shot to death by the police officer Deniz G. on 14 December 2014 in Menemen district when they had a dispute.
(05/152) Journalists on Trial…
Tunceli Heavy Penal Court concluded on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against editor-in-chief of the local Dersim paper Erkan Aday, editorial director of the paper Ergin Doğru and member of editorial board Nesimi Aday. The case was launched on charges of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” with the news published in the paper. The court acquitted all the defendants.
(05/153) Journalists on Trial…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Heavy Penal Court No 13 concluded on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against the co-managing-editor of the daily Özgür Gündem Eren Keskin and editor-in-chief of the paper Reyhan Çapan launched for “insulting State President” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation” in various issues of the paper.
The court sentenced both defendants to 3 years and 9 months’ imprisonment.
(05/154) Concert Banned in Antalya…
Governorate of Antalya banned the concert of music band Grup Yorum to be held on 28 May 2016 in Konyaltı Open-Air Theatre.
(05/155) Correspondent on Trial…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Penal Court of First Instance 2 continued on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against Canan Coşkun, journalist with the daily Cumhuriyet, in connection with the news under the headline “House Sales under Discussion in the Judiciary” appeared in the paper on 20 February 2015 about the discounted sales of luxury houses to prosecutors and judges in İstanbul by a private construction company. The case was launched upon official complaint by 2 judges/prosecutors in charge at Çağlayan and Küçükçekmece courthouses and 8 judges/prosecutors were also referred as victims in indictment. The indictment wants Canan Coşkun to be sentenced 10 times according to the Article 125 TPC for “insulting public officers”.
The court decided to hear the complainant Deputy Public Prosecutor Orhan Kapıcı and adjourned the hearing to 22 September 2016. (05/156) Person on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
Antalya Penal Court of First Instance No 2 concluded on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against U.M. (51) launched on charges of “insulting the State President” through facebook posts.
After the final defence as to the accusations, the court sentenced the defendant to 11 months and 20 days’ imprisonment under the Article 299 TPC.
(05/157) Conscientious Objectors on Trial…
Uudere (Şırnak) Penal Curt of First Instance continued on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against Necdet Encü and Yannis Vasilis Yaylalı launched on charges of “alienating the people from military service”. Both defendants became conscientious objectors on the anniversary of Roboski Massacre in Uludere district of Şırnak.
Necdet Encü testified at the hearing. The court adjourned the hearing to 20 October 2016 for the testimony of Yannis Vasilis Yaylalı.
(05/158) Person on Trial on the Allegations of Insulting the State President…
According to the news appeared in the press on 28 May 2016, Polatlı (Ankara) Penal Court of First Instance No 1 continued to hear the case against Ahmet D. launched on charges of “insulting the State President”. Ahmet D. was arrested in connection with so-called Gülenist terror organisation “Parallel State Structure” (FETÖ/PDY).
After the testimony of the defendant, the court adjourned the hearing to 28 June 2016.
(05/159) Correspondent on Trial in Malatya…
According to the news appeared in the press on 26 May 2016, a court case was launched against Dicle News Agency (DİHA) correspondent Nuri Akman who was arrested on 2 February 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” when he went to the Malatya Public Prosecutor to testify in connection with a case.
Public Prosecutor in Malatya referred his being member of Free Students Association (Özgür Öğrenci Derneği) while being student and his photographs taken in Kobanê as evidences in the indictment. Malatya Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 18 July 2016.
(05/160) 1 May Case in İstanbul…
İstanbul Heavy Penal Court No 13 continued on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against 3 persons including 2 remanded defendants launched for attempting to stage a demonstration on Taksim Square on 1 May 2015 in İstanbul. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation”.
After the testimonies of the defendants, the court decided to release the defendants Veli Coşkun and Nazım Can Arslan to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 20 October 2016.
(05/161) Protest Intervened in İstanbul…
The police intervened the “Speak Up for Nusaybin (Nusaybin’e ses ver)” demonstrations organised by Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on 29 May 2016 in Kadıköy and Sultanbeyli districts of İstanbul and detained 4 persons.
(05/162) Protest Intervened in İstanbul…
2 persons were detained when they wanted to put up a poster saying “Justice for Suruç, justice for everyone (Suruç için adalet, herkes için adalet)” on 27 May 2016 in Kadıköy district of İstanbul.
(05/163) Gezi Park Trials…
Antalya Heavy Penal Court No 6 continued on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against 12 persons launched in connection with Gezi Park demonstrations in Antalya. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “being member of an illegal organisation”, “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations”, “resisting security forces” and “damaging public property”.
The Public Prosecutor demanded in his/her opinion as to the accusations the defendants to be sentenced to 4 years and 6 months’ imprisonment. The court adjourned the hearing to 14 October 2016 for the preparation of the defence as to the accusations.
(05/164) Children on Trial in Mersin…
According to the news appeared in the press on 27 May 2016, a court case was launched against 44 children who were detained during the operations conducted on 15 February 2016 in Mersin.
The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations” and “possessing hazardous materials”. Mersin Heavy Penal Court No 2 will start to hear the case on 21 June 2016.
(05/165) Protesters on Trial in Adana…
Adana Heavy Penal Court No 2 started on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against 100 students launched in connection with a demonstrations organised by Çukurova University students on 28 December 2014 to protest in the Roboski Massacre. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations”, “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”, “resisting security forces” and “damaging public property”.
After the identification and testimonies of the present defendants, the court adjourned the hearing to 28 September 2016 for the continuation of the testimonies.
(05/166) Protesters Detained in Sinop…
The police conducted house raids on 27 May 2016 in Sinop and detained 17 persons who protested Honorary President of the Social Fabric Foundation (Sosyal Doku Vakfı) Nurettin Yıldız for his expressions “6-year-old girls can be married” and “Working women are supporting the waty ot prostitution” during a conference held in Sinop.
(05/167) Mayors, Executives of Municipality and Political Party on Trial for Self-Governance Declaration …
Erciş (Van) Heavy Penal Court started on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against 23 persons including Erciş Co-Mayor Diba Keskin launched on charges of “disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state”. 17 defendants were remanded in this trial. Diba Keskin was arrested on 15 October 2015 for “taking part in the declaration of self-governance” and transferred to Sincan (Ankara) Women’s Prison. She was suspended from duty on 28 October 2015 by the Ministry of Interior Affairs. 11 defendants are remanded in this case. After the testimonies of the remanded defendants through SEGBİS teleconference system, the court decided to release the defendants Dilan Doğan, Emrullah Denizman, Salih Ergül, Mustafa Akyüz, Fesih Ağtepe, and Kadir Köroğlu to be tried without remand and adjourned the hearing to 14 July 2016.
(05/168) KCK/TM Main Trial in Diyarbakır…
Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 2 continued on 27 May 2016 to hear the case against 187 persons launched after an operation conducted in 2009. The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced for founding the “Koma Ciwaken Kurdistan-Kurdistan Union of Communities/Turkish Assembly (KCK/TM)” and acting in the name of the organisation.
After the final defence as to the accusations, the court adjourned the hearing to 13 June 2016.
(05/169) KCK Case in Hakkari…
Hakkari Heavy Penal Court No 1 concluded on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against 20 persons including Co-Mayor in Hakkari province Nurullah Çiftçi launched after a KCK operation conducted in 2011 in Hakkari.
After final defence as to the accusations, the court sentenced 13 defendants to 6 years and 3 months’ imprisonment for “being member of an illegal organisation” and acquitted remaining defendants including Nurullah Çiftçi. The files of Provincial Assembly member Ferzende Yılmaz and Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) former Co-Chair for Hakkari province Rahmi Temel were separated on the grounds that they rejected to testify and defend as to the accusations.
(05/170) Self-Governance Declaration Trial in Diyarbakır…
Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court No 5 continued on 26 May 2016 to hear the case against 6 persons including Co-Mayors of Sur district Seyit Narin and Fatma Şık Barut. The case was launched in connection with the self-governance declaration on 14 August 2015. The court released the defendants Fatma Şık Barut, Seyit Narin, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair for Sur district Ali Rıza Çiçekli and Women’s Academy worker Güneş Ölmez to be tried without remand at the previous hearing on 8 March 2016.
The indictment wants the defendants to be sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for “attempting to disrupt the unity and territorial integrity of the state”. After the testimonies of the defendants, the court adjourned the hearing to 20 October 2016.
(05/171) Political Party Premises Attacked in Şırnak…
The premises of United Revolutionary Party (Birleşik Devrimci Parti) in Tuzluçayır quarter of Mamak district in Ankara was organised an armed attack by unidentified persons on 29 May 2016. The casualties were reported, the attack caused material damage.
(05/172) Detentions and Arrests…
Deniz Kocaman who was detained in Van was arrested on 26 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”. Batman Municipality worker Bülent Ünser who was detained in Siirt was arrested on 26 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Gendarmerie soldiers conducted raids on 26 and 27 May 2016 against the executives and members of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) in Bismil district of Diyarbakır. 17 persons were detained during raids and the reason of the operations was not disclosed.
Murat Kaplan who was among 9 persons detained during the operations against HDP and DBP in Saray district of Van was arrested on 26 May 2016 on the allegations of “aiding an illegal organisation”.
Azad Sömer who was among 2 persons detained in Adana was arrested on 26 May 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
17 persons including DBP Co-Chair for Gaziantep province Demet Paksoy were arrested on 27 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation” and “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted a house raid on 26 May 2016 in Ağrı and detained 3 university students under beatings.
The police conducted house raids on 27 and 28 May 2016 in Diyarbakır and detained 42 persons.
Özgür Alp was detained on 28 May 2016 on a road control point on Hakkari-Yüksekova road.
Nezir Doğan and Mehmet Doğan were detained during the raids conducted on 28 May 2016 in Gundike Simo village of İdil district in Şırnak. Halil Görcü who was detained in Malazgirt district of Muş was arrested on 28 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted raids on 28 May 2016 against the houses of Hacettepe University workers and students in Ankara and detained 6 persons including academics Savaş Ergül and İnan Şenses.
The police raided a house on 27 May 2016 in Batman and detained photographer Ciwan Değer on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
3 students who were among 12 persons detained during house raids in Çanakkale were arrested on 27 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
5 persons including HDP Co-Chair for Hozat district in Tunceli province Sinan Karakoç were arrested on 27 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted house raids on 27 May 2016 and detained 9 members of United Revolutionary Party (Birleşik Devrimci Parti). Socialist Youth Association (Sosyalist Gençlik Derneği) member Özgür Şimşek who was detained while going from İzmir to Denizli and transferred to Isparta was arrested on 27 May 2016 on the allegations of “making propaganda of an illegal organisation”.
During the operations conducted on 29 May 2016, 20 persons in Cizre district of Şırnak and 5 persons in Hakkari were detained. Amed Kurdish Language Research and Development Association (Amed Kürt Dili Araştırma ve Geliştirme Derneği – KURDÎ-DER) Co-Chair Ozan Kılınç and Şaban Kaskarlı who were among 9 persons detained during house raids in Diyarbakır were arrested on 29 May 2016 on the allegations “being member of an illegal organisation”.
- 31 May 2016 Daily Human Rights Report
(05/173) Massacre Attempt in Şırnak…
Yılmaz Encü (20) who was wounded when border trader villagers were bombed on 29 May 2016 nearby Roboski village of Uludere district in Şırnak died on 31 May 2016 in the hospital. The number of casualties during the attack reached 2 persons.
(05/174) Operations and Attacks in he Southeast…
3 gendarmerie soldiers were wounded when a trapped bomb exploded on 30 May 2016 in Nusaybin district of Mardin where operations were ongoing.
2 police officers were killed and 1 police officer was wounded when a bomb exploded on 30 May 2016 during the passage of an armoured vehicle in Hacıbekir quarter of İpekyolu district in Van.
1 soldier was reportedly killed on 29 May 2016 in Pervari district of Siirt. 2 militants were also killed during an armed clash that broke out after the attack against Doğan military Base.
Hüsnü Bayar (30) who was killed during the clashes in Şırnak and whose body was kept in Şırnak State Hospital was buried on 30 May 2016 after being identified following the DNA tests.
The civilians Halime Birlik (4), İsa Torlak (68), Ekrem Birlik (52), Davut Yoksul were killed 19 persons including 5 police officers were wounded when a bomb exploded on 30 May 2016 during the passage of an armoured vehicle in Silopi district of Şırnak.
(05/175) Dilek Doğan Case…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Heavy Penal Court No 12 continued on 30 May 2016 to hear the case the police officer Yüksel Moğultay launched on charges of “intentional killing by negligent conduct” for killing Dilek Doğan during a house raid. The indictment wants the defendant to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment up to 26 years and 6 months.
19 persons were detained before the hearing. The court adjourned the hearing to 12 June 2016 to decide on the Doğan family’s lawyers’ demand for recusation.
Dilek Doğan (25) who was shot during a house raid on 18 October 2015 in Sarıyer district of İstanbul conducted in connection with a “DHKP-C (Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party – Front) Investigation” died on 25 October 2015. She was heavily wounded when the police opened fire in the house. Dilek Doğan’s family declared that the police opened fire when they had a dispute for wearing overshoes to enter the house.
On 20 December 2015, lawyers of Doğan Family revealed the footages of Dilek Doğan’s killing. According to the recordings, chief police officer Yüksel Moğultay killed Dilek Doğan after having a dispute for not wearing overshoes to enter the house.
(05/176) Impunity in Murat Yavuzer Case…
According to the news appeared in the press on 31 May 2016, Diyarbakır Penal Court of First Instance No 7 closed the case of Murat Yavuzer relying on 8 years’ statutes of limitation.
Murat Yavuzer had been detained in Diyarbakir on the grounds that he was a purse-snatcher and he was found death in a cell on 1 June 2005. Authorities claimed that Yavuzer committed suicide by hanging himself to the bars of his cell with his trouser. Diyarbakir Penal Court of First Instance No. 7 acquitted police officers N.C., A.S.D., C.D. and S.U. who have been tried in connection with the death of Murat Yavuzer (28) in detention on charges of “misconduct in office”. There were evidences of torture in Yavuzer’s autopsy report and the bars in the cell were so low that it is impossible to commit suicide by hanging oneself to that bars. The cameras in the lockup were not working on the day of the incident and the records of the cameras could not be found. 5th Penal Chamber at the Court of Cassation quashed the verdict of the Diyarbakır Penal Court of First Instance No 7 for retrial.
(05/177) Tevfik Caner Ertay Case…
Tevfik Caner Ertay, member of People’s Houses in Eskişehir, was detained on 2 June 2014 during Gezi Park demonstrations in Eskişehir. He was taken to a car park; his arm and leg were broken under torture. He was also put in the trunk of a police vehicle and kept there for hours.
According to the news appeared in the press on 28 May 2016, Ministry of Interior Affairs sent its defence in the compensation launched by Tevfik Caner at Eskişehir Administrative Cout No 2. The ministry alleged that Tevfik Caner Ertay voluntarily and actively took part in an unauthorised demonstration which was beyond democratic meeting along with members of illegal organisations. The ministry also defended that the damages were result of the actions, attitudes and expressions of Tevfik Caner Ertay which interrupts the causal relation between the responsibility of the ministry and the damages.
A penal court case was also launched at Eskişehir Penal Court of First Instance No 4 against the police officers Adem Arslan, Ahmet Kızıl and İzzet Erkan. The indictment wants Adem Arslan and Ahmet Kızıl to be sentenced to at least 8 years of imprisonment, İzzet Erkan to at least 4 years of imprisonment for intentional wounding. The court decided not to be responsible with the case on the grounds that the offence was torture not wounding and sent the files of the case to Eskişehir Heavy Penal Court. Heavy Penal Court on duty dealt with the case on 22 February 2016 and sent the files of the case to Eskişehir Penal Court of First Instance No 4 on the ground of not to being responsible with the case.
(05/178) Police Officers on Trial in Antalya…
Antalya Heavy Penal Court No 2 continued on 30 May 2016 to hear the case against 6 police officers launched for beating Mustafa Düştegör with sticks and truncheons during Gezi park demonstration in Antalya on 3 June 2013.
After the testimonies of the police officers, the court adjourned the hearing to 20 October 2016 to wait for the expert’s report.
The investigation started upon official complaint by the lawyers of Mustafa Düştegör dating 20 November 2014 on the allegations of torture was concluded earlier September.
Public Prosecutor in Antalya demanded the police officer A.O.P. to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment up to 3 years for “wounding by exceeding the right to use force” relying on the video recordings of the incident. Public Prosecutor also asked commanding chief A.S. and police officers B.Ş., B.S., S.S. and H.Y. to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment up to 6 months for not intervening in the incident.
According to the news appeared on the press on 15 September 2014, Antalya Penal Court of First Instance No 11 accepted the objection of the lawyers stressing that the committed crime should regarded as torture not wounding. The court decided not to be responsible with the case and send the files to Heavy Penal Court. Upon decision of the Penal Court of First Instance, Public Prosecutor demanded the police officer A.O.P. to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment up to 18 years for “torture”.
(05/179) Death in Prison…
Erkan Aydoğan incarcerated in Aliağa (İzmir) Open Prison reportedly had heart attack in the prison. The prison administration did not hospitalise him and he died on 30 May 2016.
(05/180) Freedom of Expression…
Çağlayan (İstanbul) Penal Court of First Instance No 29 continued on 31 May 2016 to hear the case against Merve Büyüksaraç launched for the expressions she used on her instagram account targeting Recep Tayyip Erdoğan when he was Prime Minister.
The court sentenced the defendant to 1 year 2 months and 17 days’ imprisonment under the Article 125 TPC for “insulting a public officer”.
(05/181) Detentions and Arrests…
Ahmet Bayri, Vedat Morkoyun, Mehmet Bulut, Necati Korkankorkmaz, Ensari Bor, Cihan Berdibek and Hasan Kaya who were detained during house raids in Bingöl were arrested on 30 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
Şeyhmus Aydın who was among 11 persons detained in Bismil district of Diyarbakır was arrested on 30 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.
The police conducted operations on 30 May and 31 May 2016 throughout Turkey and detained Abdulbaki Kayan in Derik district of Mardin, Abdulselam Akdemir in Adana, 5 persons including Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair for the province Gülseven Yıldız in Tunceli; 8 persons including DBP Co-Chair for the province Mehmet Nazif Koç in Elazığ; Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair for the province Beşir Belke and Selahattin Karatoprak in Edirne, Derya Yılmaz n Hakkari, and Abbas Atsak in Çaldıran district of Van.
Fatma Elçi, Aydın Sansak, Ali Kumak who were detained during the operations conducted in Nur quarter of Cizre district in Şırnak were arrested on 30 May 2016 on the allegations of “being member of an illegal organisation”.