Since the 1990s, there has been continuous pressure on Kurdish media and press in Turkey. Regardless of changes in governments, the free expression of Kurds has been deemed a crime. Anti-terror laws, particularly Articles 7 and 8, have been included to restrict free expression. The AKP-MHP administration, especially after the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, used anti-terror laws as a shield against criticisms of the government and its institutions. The laws were employed as tools to silence all opposing segments under the guise of “combating terrorism.” United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression David Kaye visited Turkey between November 16-18, 2016.
Category: Press Releases
URGENT APPEAL OF THE PEOPLES’ EQUALITY AND DEMOCRACY PARTY (DEM PARTY)
CONCERNING THE UNLAWFUL VERDICTS IN THE KOBANÊ CASE
17 MAY 2024
In October 2014, as the so-called “Islamic State” (ISIS) was about to take over the city of Kobanê, massive democratic demonstrations broke out around the world, including in many Turkish cities. During these demonstrations, 46 civilians, including 34 members and supporters of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), were killed by pro-ISIS groups, with the provocation of the Turkish security forces.
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The Republic of Cyprus arrested Kenan Ayaz, a Kurdish political refugee, on March 15, 2023, following an arrest warrant issued by the German government. Kenan Ayaz, 49, spent 12 years in various prisons in Turkey for his political ideas and as an activist of the Kurdish movement. Since 2013 he has been living in Cyprus…
International groups demand release of Kurdish journalists, lawyers, party officials
International groups demand the release of Kurdish journalists, lawyers, and political party officials arrested in Turkey in a pre-election crackdown. Media freedom, freedom of expression, and human rights organisations called on Turkish authorities to stop the systematic harassment and intimidation of Kurdish journalists, media workers, media outlets, the lawyers that defend them, and Kurdish political…
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HRW calls on Turkey to free, end harassment of journalists, party officials, lawyers
International groups demand the release of Kurdish journalists, lawyers, and political party officials arrested in a pre-election crackdown in Turkey. Absent any credible evidence of wrongdoing, Turkey should release dozens of Kurdish journalists, political party officials, and lawyers arrested in raids on April 25, 2023, in advance of the May 14 national elections, 18 organizations…
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Earthquakes and Human Rights Violations in Turkey
On February 6, 2023, an earthquake struck 11 provinces and northern Syria, where there is a high concentration of Kurdish Alevis. The earthquake affected Arabs, Turks, Armenians and other peoples in the region, but had devastating consequences mainly for Kurds and Alevis. The earthquake directly affected 13 and a half million people. Although the official…
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KurdDAO Launches Fundraising Campaign in Support of Kurdish Human Rights
Jan. 2 2023 — Supporters of Kurdish international solidarity have come together to release KurdDAO, a non-profit fundraising DAO in coordination with the Kurdish Centre for Human Rights, initially backing projects to strengthen Kurdish women’s rights as well as raising awareness and support for Kurdish political prisoners and the spread of democratic modernity in the…
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Open the Gates of Imralı Prison now!
Rumors are spreading on social media that Abdullah Öcalan has died in prison. The Asrin Law Office, which represents the PKK founder and other prisoners on Imralı, demands immediate communication with their clients. International Initiative “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan—Peace in Kurdistan” calls on international institutions to act immediately. The Commission on Foreign Relations of the…