"Those, who are responsible for incidents of 1st May in Istanbul, should be removed from their offices immediately"
Nowadays, Turkey is in a serious turning point related with democracy and human rights. The Government, which highlights democracy and human rights utterances and hopes help from them, is intolerant for using these rights and freedoms. Laws and administrative authorities are used to block rights and freedoms rather than to allow.
The Government’s unbelief and insincerity characteristics were seen, once again, in 1st May Celebrations in Istanbul. Those went to Taksim Square to celebrate 1st May, which is accepted as workers’ festive in all over the world, were subjected to pressure, violence, gas bombs and detentions. Security force members used excessive force while they were detaining people. Gas bombs were thrown against civilians. Security force members entered into Political Party and trade associations’ buildings by means of violence. Also, media was blocked in order to conceal deeds by security force members. Consequently; freedom of communication was violated. A message, which is “using rights and freedoms are activities that make difficulties in their life”, was given to the public by blocking transportation in all over Istanbul, in the early hours of the morning. People’s right of personal security, rights to transport, travel, and work were violated under the name of security.
On the other hand; the meeting, which was held on Sunday 29th April 2007 in Çağlayan Square of Istanbul, showed once again that such rights/freedoms could be used in peace rather than any bad consequences as long as necessary security measures taken properly and no unnecessary interventions.
The State, which has not revealed perpetrators of massacre in the 1st May 1977, did not hesitate to show strength to its citizens.
In a democratic law state; it is not possible that those, who are responsible for violence in Istanbul, can remain their office even a day. Starting from Istanbul Governor and Police Chief; those, who are responsible for violence in Istanbul, should be removed from their offices without delay.
As Human Rights Association (IHD) we condemn prohibiting and implementations, which are not compatible with law and human rights, in Istanbul. IHD calls for all people and institutions to defend democracy and human rights.
HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION (IHD) HEADQUARTERS