Dissident Writer Once Again Faces Trial

General Staffs secret criminal complaint results in a trial for Ismail Besikci on accounts of propulsion to violence and hatred. Known for his dissident opinions on the Kurdish issue Besikcis article appeared on Esmer magazine, December 2005 issue.

İstanbul - BİA News Center
12 February 2007, Monday
Sociolog İsmail Besikci, known for his dissident opinions on the Kurdish issue faces trial for his article titled "We Oppressed Instead of Talking" which appeared on Esmer magazine.

Esmer owner Ferzende Kaya and editor-in-chief Mehmet Ali İzmir will also stand trial with Besikci on accounts of "propulsion to violence and hatred", as quoted on article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Prosecution pressed charges following the investigation brought by General Staff's "secret" criminal complaint.

During the investigation, Prof. Mehmet Emin Artuk of Marmara University Law School denoted that Besikci's statements may constitute the alleged crime.

Prosecutor's indictment rests on this interpretation and Besikci and others' trial begins today with 4 and-a-half years of imprisonment.

Another article that appeared on the magazine, which harshly criticized Gen. Yasar Buyukanıt didn't result in a trial following Prof. Arduk's counterview.

İsmail Besikci had faced numerous trials concerning his dissident opinions on the Kurdish issue in Turkey.

He had been in prison for years before a conditional discharge in 1999.(EO/EU)

Independent Communication NetworkIndependent Communication Network comprises more than internet news website bianet.org. It is a continuously unfolding network since 1997 and embraces "Training Drives" for journalists and communication students and NGOs; handbook series, "Radio Programs" for the local media, conferences, forums, international exchange programs.

IPS Communication Foundation (BİA)IPS Communication Foundation is the implementing body for the BIA &bianet.org. Founded in 1993 by four journalists and one human rights activists, has implemented many projects including a BİA, BİA2 and BİA3.

BİA LibraryBİA Library comprises of handbooks series and guides and researches which systemize the theoretical and informative contributions realized during the implementation of programs within the BİA projects. Some of the 15 publications are in English and accessible via bianet.org.

Contact usYou can reach IPS Communication Foundation directors, BİA project coordination, bianet.org editorial board via telephone, fax, e-mail and mail from everywhere on the globe, dispatch information and/or documents and request meetings.