The All-Party Parliamentary Human Rights Group (PHRG) organised this meeting to discuss the ongoing serious and systematic human rights violations occurring in Turkey. The meeting also focussed on Tahir Elci, an eminent lawyer who was killed on 28th November in unclear circumstances.
We would like to thank PHRG Chair, Ann Clwyd MP, for chairing this meeting.
The speakers:
- Turkan Elci, wife of Tahir Elci (“TE”);
- Andrew Gardner, Amnesty International Turkey Team (“AG”);
- Milena Buyum, Campaigner Turkey and EU Team, Amnesty International (“MB”);
- Alan Francis, Government and Political Relations Manager, Amnesty International UK (“AF”);
- Daniel Katté, Eastern Mediterranean Team, FCO (“DK”).
The main points discussed:
- The human rights situation is deteriorating rapidly, particularly in relation to freedom of the media, rule of law and impartiality of the judiciary. (AF)
- The conflict in the southeast of the country is also getting worse. Many thousands have been displaced by heavy artillery used by the police and army. (AF)
- There are now 24 hour curfews in place, cuts to water and electricity and problems accessing medical care. Non-state actors opposing Government forces have reportedly also dug trenches, which have impeded access to medical care as well as other emergency services. (AF)
- Tahir’s case is closely linked to the human rights situation in the country as he criticised the state and the PKK. His death followed a press statement he made calling for an end to the conflict in the southeast of the country. (AF)
- The Government’s narrative of Tahir’s death is that he was caught in crossfire and that the PKK is ultimately responsible. (AF)
- There have been issues with the investigation of the crime. In particular, much of the evidence was not collected from the crime scene. The clashes with the PKK have been used as an excuse. (TE)
- Tahir was a target before his murder and was facing threats from the media. He embarrassed the Government by bringing cases to the European Court of Human Rights. (TE)
- Turkan Elci has herself received a death threat and police failed to take it seriously. (TE)
The PHRG is continuing to raise Tahir’s case, as well as human rights problems in Turkey more generally. Please see EDM 1065 tabled by Ann Clwyd MP on this issue.