Retrial of the Scientists-Prof. Ibrahim Kaboğlu and Prof. Baskın Oran-is the last Sample of Tolerance for Freedom of Thought!
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” Article 19, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
As it is known; Prof. Baskın Oran and Prof. İbrahim Kaboğlu, while they were members of Prime Ministerial Human Rights Advisory Board, have prepared “Minority and Cultural Rights Report”. They, also, have made public the Report with many NGOs. They have become target of some dominant media companies and nationalistic groups since they made public it.
The Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit has reversed the acquittal decision, which had made in accordance with Turkish Penal Code Number 216/1 about Baskın Oran and İbrahim Kaboğlu, by the 28th Criminal Court of First Instance in Ankara. There is a sentence, which explains the reason for reverse by the Court of Appeal. The sentence is following; ‘limits of criticism and freedom of thought have been exceeded by conducting discussion on sub-identity-upper identity. Also expressions in the discussion have reached social dangerous position’.
In our country intellectuals write, express and share their critical opinions with public opinion.
On the other hand, governments and judiciary bureaucracy keep freedom of expression under threat rather than protecting it.
Human Rights Association (İHD) considers freedom of expression as ground for other freedoms. İHD reminds that Mr. Oran and Mr. Kaboğlu, who are honour of Turkey, are human rights defenders. So, they are under the protection of Declaration of Human Rights Defenders (December 1998) and conscience of humanity. IHD expresses solidarity, with Prof. Oran and Prof. Kaboğlu, with public opinion.
HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION