Defend International (DI), a Norwegian non governmental organ working to stop human rights violations, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has strongly condemned the Turkish Supreme Election Board's undemocratic decision of not recognizing the right of the elected Kurdish candidate Mr. Mehmet Hatip Dicle, emphasizing the decision taken by the election board is an attempt to manipulate the results of the democratic voting process that took place in Turkey on June 12, 2011. Such a decision is neither legal nor ethical, and new arrangements should be made.

DI has sent urgent appeals to the President of Turkey's Supreme Board of Election to reconsider this decision as it ignores the rights of all voters who voted for Mr. Dicle to represent them in the parliament. In addition, appeals have been sent to the Council of Europe, the Commissioner for Human Rights, and a number of United Nation representatives to intervene.

For more information:

http://www.defendinternational.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=331&Itemid=73.