Following the death of Prof. Dr. Türkan Saylan, a doctor specialised in leprosy and long-time president of the Association for the Support of Contemporary Living (ÇYDD), trade unionists and NGOs have expressed their grief.

 The Revolutionary Workers' Trade Union Confederation (DİSK), the Istanbul Bar Association, the Turkey Communist Party (TKP), the Alevi Bektashi Federation and the 10th December Movement (a rights movement) have all expressed her regret over the demise of the professor.

Kaboğlu demands apology

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Kaboğlu, lecturer at the law faculty of the Marmara University in Istanbul, referred to the recent police search of Saylan's home as part of the Ergenekon investigation, saying that state organs owed the public an apology.

Süleyman Çelebi, president of DİSK, made a statement in the name of the confederation, saying, "We can only feel sorry for those who do not feel pain at the loss of Türkan Saylan...We cannot accept what was done to her in her last days, and we will never forgive....But we know that they are only a handful of individuals, while we are the people."

"She will live on"

The Istanbul Bar Association issued a statement which said, "Saylan will live on with her thoughts, principles and values in the hearts of the children, youth, women and comrades of the country she loved so much. We extend our condolences to our country and all those in support of modernity and enlightenment."

"Altruism and productivity"

The 10th December Movement applauded Saylan's opposition to outdated movements and military coups, as well as a life full of "extraordinary altruism and productivity."

The Alevi Bektashi Federation stated that Saylan had represented hope and morale for the people through her work.

Erkan Baş, chair of the TKP, had called on the people to attend her funeral today (19 May). (EÖ/AG)