Call for Solidarity
Information note on the hearing in the trial against Mrs.Şefika Gürbüz and Mr. Mehmet Barut, members of Turkish NGO “GÖC-DER”
The Human Rights Association is calling all international observers and supporters to attend the hearing against Mrs.Sefika Gurbuz and Mr. Mehmet Barut, members of Turkish NGO “GOC-DER” due to take place on 19 January 2004, at 10:00 am before the Istanbul State Security Court No.4.
Background information:
Turkish NGO “GOC-DER” (Immigrants’ Association for Social Cooperation and Culture”, established in 1997 in Istanbul, conduct research on the socio-economic and socio-cultural conditions of the Kurdish people living in Turkey, who are forcibly displaced due to armed conflict, and release extensive reports on forced displacement related concerns.
In a meeting held at GOC-DER’s headquarters on 17 April 2002 and attended by around 50 people, including members of the press, the Chairperson of GOC-DER, Mrs. Şefika Gürbüz read a 228 page investigation report concerning the forced migration in 1999-2001.
Mehmet Barut was indicted for having drafted the report which allegedly incited Kurdish People in East and Southern East Region of Turkey to hatred and hostile statements. Mrs. Şefika Gürbüz has been charged on 17 April 2002.on the grounds of article 312/2 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC) for having presented the report to the public opinion. The trial is still pending, since this date.
Expressing our gratitude for your solidarity
Yours sincerely,
Human Rights Association