Freedom of Expression

Speaking on satellite channel Roj TV, Ethem Açıkalın, president of the Human Rights Association (İHD) in Adana, southern Turkey, criticised the arrest and punishment of children taking part in demonstrations.

He was investigated for "spreading PKK propaganda", but is now on trial for "inciting hatred and hostility."

On 29 November 2008, Açıkalın gave information about the legal situation of the children concerned and criticised their trial.

His court case will begin on 27 October at the Adana 1st Criminal Court of First Instance.

Criticism construed as "incitement"

He had criticised the words of Adana governor İlhan Atış, who had threatened to withdraw health care support for the parents of children taking part in protests. In addition, Açıkalin had spoken of a "dirty war."

He told bianet that he believes he has been targeted, and that all he did was share is thoughts on an urgent issue.

So far 84 children, seven of them arrested, have been sentenced to 382 years and 11 months imprisonment in Adana.

The human rights activists is already on trial for allegedly resistign the police when protesting against a police raid at the province headquarters of the Democratic Society Party (DTP).

Again heavy sentences for children

On 15 June, the Adana Heavy Penal Court sentenced four children to a total of seventeen years and six months imprisonment for "committing crimes in the name of an illegal organisation" and "spreading organisational propaganda". The children have been accused of taking part in protests in support of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on 15 February 2007, shouting pro-PKK slogans and throwing stones. Three children received sentences of 4 years and 8 months each, and one child a sentence of 3 years and 6 months. (EÖ/AG)