The appointment of trustees in place of elected Kurdish mayors in Turkey highlights the government’s ongoing hostility towards the Kurdish population. Despite discussions aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue through democratic means, the Turkish state continues to employ heavy-handed tactics, including military strikes on civilian infrastructure in Northeast Syria and Iraq, while simultaneously undermining Kurdish political representation domestically. Recent actions, such as the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer and the removal of mayors from Mardin and Batman, exemplify a broader strategy to consolidate power and suppress dissent by criminalizing Kurdish institutions and leaders under the pretext of combating terrorism. This pattern of governance raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and human rights in Turkey.
Category: Press Releases
Report on freedom of expression – Turkey
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.
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…
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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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