Human Rights First to Monitor Trial of Human Rights
Activist in Turkey

HRFT Diyarbakir Office Under Official Pressure Human Rights First Sends Trial Observer

March 15, 2002

On March 19, 2002 Sezgin Tanrikulu, the director of the Diyarbakir branch office of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, faces trial for non-payment of a fine imposed on the HRFT for "operating a medical treatment center without authorization." The HRFT, which operates five centers for the treatment of torture victims in Turkey, believes that this fine has no legal foundation, and is merely a continuation of official harassment of the organization's work. Human Rights First is concerned that the fine comes after more than six months of interference with the work of the HRFT's Diyarbakir branch, including an illegal search of their offices and unauthorized seizure of their confidential patient files by the authorities. We fear that the HRFT is being penalized for its important work documenting the prevalence of torture.

A Human Rights First representative will attend the proceedings in Diyarbakir to demonstrate our support for the work of the HRFT, and to gather information about this case and the background to it.