In its annual world report on human rights, published on its website yesterday, Amnesty International also evaluated the state of Turkey.

Further restrictions

According to Amnesty International (AI), a revision of the Law to Fight Terrorism has widened "the scope and number of crimes punishable as terrorist offences". Furthermore, freedom of expression was still not guaranteed, as the controversial Article 301 was used to try "journalists, writers, publishers, academics, human rights defenders and students".

Kurds facing repression

AI mentions the trial of 56 mayors from the pro-Kurdish Democratic Turkey Party (DTP), which is based on a letter they wrote to the Danish Prime Minister, urging him not to close to pro-Kurdish television channel Roj TV based in Denmark.

AI also criticises the "excessive use of force" by security forces policing the funeral of four PKK members in March 2006, at which 10 people were killed, including 4 children.

More bomb attacks

An armed group calling itself the "Kurdish Freedom Falcons" claimed responsibility for bombings in different cities last year, resulting in 9 dead and many injured. An armed attack on the higher administrative court in Ankara, carried out with religious motives, resulted in the death of one judge. Related to this case, the Kemalist newspaper "Cumhuriyet" faced three bomb attacks of its premises last year.

Torture

Although there has been a decrease in reports of torture by law enforcement officers, many detainees stil report mistreatment. Furthermore, security forces are stil able to act with impunity, both in torture cases and in militia activities. AI quotes the Semdinli case as an example.

Conscientious objectors

AI draws attention to the fact that conscientious objectors face prison for their decision, as there are no civilian alternatives. They quote the imprisonment of objector Mehmet Tarhan

Protection of women insufficient

Women's groups continue to lament the lack of women's shelters for victims of domestic violence. The Prime Minister has however called for measures to curb domestic violence and stop the so-called "honour killings". (AI/AG/EÜ)