Our Association which struggles for the defense and improvement of fundamental rights and freedom, and also for ensuring democracy and peace which are directly related with these facts, carries on its struggle independently from governments and political parties. Since its inception, 14 members, -including officers- of the Human Rights Association (HRA) have been killed by murder, the assailants remained concealed. By various news reported by the media to have been allegedly confessed by Şemdin Sakık, the stage was set for assaults principally against our President, Mr.Akın Birdal, and several other prominent figures and organizations. The testimonies alleged to have been taken during preliminary investigation, which by law must be completely secret, were leaked to the press, and introduced by the media to the public as if it were the truth; this clearly indicates the original address of this assault. In this connection, it is also general knowledge that in the wake of the mentioned news reported by the media, the sit in action of the Saturday Mothers, which has been taking place for several years and is part of democratic opposition, as well as the marches of KESK (Confederation of the Trade Unions of Public Service Employees) were attacked by the police. (Both were also mentioned in the so-called Sakık confessions). The two assailants who came to our association‘s headquarters to meet with our President Akın Birdal,on 12 May 1998 at about 12:20, left his office to then return and open fire on him. During the assault, the assailants fired their guns 13 times, and 6 of the bullets hit Mr.Birdal. We are of the opinion that this assault was premeditated and carried out professionally. It is only due to Mr.Birdal‘s suspicion regarding the assailants and his extraordinary calmness and efforts during the attack that they did not achieve what they set out for. The office of our headquarters, which is located on one of the main streets of Ankara, is also under constant observation by the police. All of our office telephone lines, as well as Mr.Birdal‘s mobile telephone and telephone at home are always being tapped. Even though we declared at every occasion that Mr.Birdal‘s life is under constant threat, there was no police present that day. It is quite obvious that the perpetrators were feeling very safe and protected by others, given the fact that they left the place of the crime armed. It is also quite alarming that the security officers, who were informed about the assault, arrived at the place of the crime and started with a “technical” examination, instead of speeding up the process of getting our severely wounded President, lying on the floor, to the hospital. The ambulance, which was called immediately after the incident, was very late in arriving which caused our President loosing much blood. After our President was hospitalized, the necessary steps to save and document any evidence were not carried out at the office of the president. The room was not sealed for investigation, and whatever evidence present was not investigated carefully. It was not until the next day that the police, upon the urging of our officers, investigated the bullet holes. Computerized pictures of perpetrators were drawn. But their clothes are not in accordance with the eye–witnesses testimony. We have grave concerns for his safety at the hospital because entrance to the hospital is not under the strict security measures as we have heard from various sources. The police officers, who guard the entrance to the intensive care unit at the hospital where our President is being hospitalized, are attached to the Anti-Terrorism Section of Ankara Security Department and are easily identified through their moustache which indicates their association to a certain political group. They also behave towards our association’s officers and members in a disturbing way. Our members who are ‘on duty at the hospital are not allowed to secure the elevator exit to the intensive care unit. Therefore our own security can only be carried out partially. The investigation is being carried out by the Anti Terrorism Section and we have first indications that it is being distorted. At the Security Department, the eye-witnesses were shown pictures of several HRA officers and also HADEP officers known to us. This leads us to believe that the investigation is intended to conceal the identity of the perpetrators. Prime Minister Mr.Mesut Yılmaz has called the armed assault against our President, Akın Birdal as an “internal conflict”. The national and international public is quite surprised about Mr.Yılmaz’s interpretation. With his indecisiveness’ and trepidation up to date he has been unable to bring out in the open the gang activity enmeshed in the state, and also having caused this matter to have dropped from the agenda, he now introduces this as an “internal conflict” of the HRA which struggles for each individual‘s right to lead a dignified life. The real conflict is between those who work for peace, democracy and freedom in Turkey and those who wish to maintain the system of suppression and exploitation. Our president Mr. Akın Birdal and HRA have been chosen as a target because of the HRA’s unwavering stand and determination on the side of peace, democracy and freedom. This is known worldwide. Therefore, the Prime Minister‘s attempts to manipulate and distort the incident will be in vam. From the Prime Minister‘s statements and attitude we are led to believe that those accountable will not be revealed. In addition, the Prime Minister, with this statement, continues to present the HRA as a target again. The armed assault against Mr.Akın Birdal was premeditated and carried out professionally. Mr. Mesut YıImaz should immediately explain to the public “what he is afraid of’. Mesut YıImaz and his government will not be released of their accountability for this incident by declaring this an “internal conflict”. We call upon Mr. YıImaz and all government officials to act according to the responsibilities inherent to the office of statesmen. According to human rights defenders, this assault was an obvious contra–guerilla action, as in previous unresolved assaults. We are concerned that the perpetrators of this assault will not be revealed and those accountable will be protected. If this is the case, then we will hold not only the Interior Ministry, but also the government and all mechanisms embodying the government accountable for the is. We declare once more that the Human Rights Association will continue with its determined struggle for the defense and improvement of human rights, and for democracy, freedom and peace as well. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION