An incident, which limits democratic utterance-disregards freedom of expressions-shows its intolerance to different opinions/views via judicial pressure, occurred once again. Today (23rd February 2007) Hilmi Aydoğdu, who is the provincial chair of DTP (Democratic Society Party), arrested by Court of Inquiry on the basis of Aydoğdu’s press statement that made 2 days ago. Mr. Hilmi Aydoğdu was sent to prison.
We consider that making decision of arrest about provincial chair of a political party just for using of freedom of expression is unacceptable within the framework of human rights and fundamental freedoms while there are not any court cases against many members, who violate right of life-disregard ban of torture-take part in unlawful/illegal organizations, of security force.
As human rights defenders we consider that limitations on actions of opposing political party are violation of freedom of expression. We remind that such incidents harm conscience of public opinion. Lastly, we demand for stopping arbitrary attitudes.
Lawyer Reyhan Yalçındağ
Vice President