EUTCC sends Newroz greetings
EUTCC sends Newroz greetings
The EUTCC (EU Turkey Civic Commission) has release a statement to offer Newroz greetings to "the millions of Kurds and others who celebrate this most ancient and yet modern Kurdish holiday because it represents, as it has always, the inherent human right for freedom and liberty".
The statement points out that although much has been gained, "much yet remains to be accomplished". And it reminds of the village of Roboski still awaiting justice following the callous massacre of 34 civilians, mainly youths, on 28 December by a Turkish bombing raid that reputedly hit the wrong target. "Turkey - says the statement - is also a state that regularly locks up children and mistreats them badly while in detention. 2000 children have been jailed since 2009 simply for daring to say they are Kurds or for throwing stones at demonstrations. Hunger strikes in support of those Kurds suffering these abuses are now taking place across Kurdish communities throughout Europe".
The statement then reminds of the 400 Kurdish political prisoners in Turkey are on unlimited hunger strike since 15 February as well as the 15 Kurds in Strasbourg who are on hunger strike since 1 March "demanding justice, the release of all political prisoners including Mr. Abdullah Öcalan who is in total isolation since the 27 July 2011, a treatment that is in violation of all international laws".
Turkey’s negative attitude toward the Kurds is also seen, the EUTCC points out "in the more than 9000 Kurds of all ages, gender, positions and professions who have been arrested since 2009. Arrests are continuing even as we celebrate Newroz today. Indeed the Turkish state will not even dignify Newroz by allowing Kurds to call it by its rightful Kurdish name". Instead, the state insists that the name be spelled using only Turkish letters.
The statement then reminds of the BDP Executive board member from Istanbul, Haci Zengin was killed by a gas bomb during one of these attacks, while the police have injured dozens of others.
"The EUTCC - ends the statement - looks forward to a future Newroz being celebrated in a truly democratic Turkey that honours the heritage of all its citizens".
The statement is signed by Kariane Westrheim (Chair of EUTCC), Michael Gunter (Secretary general), Hans Brancheidt (Board of Directors) and Judge Essa Moosa (Board of Directors).
The statement points out that although much has been gained, "much yet remains to be accomplished". And it reminds of the village of Roboski still awaiting justice following the callous massacre of 34 civilians, mainly youths, on 28 December by a Turkish bombing raid that reputedly hit the wrong target. "Turkey - says the statement - is also a state that regularly locks up children and mistreats them badly while in detention. 2000 children have been jailed since 2009 simply for daring to say they are Kurds or for throwing stones at demonstrations. Hunger strikes in support of those Kurds suffering these abuses are now taking place across Kurdish communities throughout Europe".
The statement then reminds of the 400 Kurdish political prisoners in Turkey are on unlimited hunger strike since 15 February as well as the 15 Kurds in Strasbourg who are on hunger strike since 1 March "demanding justice, the release of all political prisoners including Mr. Abdullah Öcalan who is in total isolation since the 27 July 2011, a treatment that is in violation of all international laws".
Turkey’s negative attitude toward the Kurds is also seen, the EUTCC points out "in the more than 9000 Kurds of all ages, gender, positions and professions who have been arrested since 2009. Arrests are continuing even as we celebrate Newroz today. Indeed the Turkish state will not even dignify Newroz by allowing Kurds to call it by its rightful Kurdish name". Instead, the state insists that the name be spelled using only Turkish letters.
The statement then reminds of the BDP Executive board member from Istanbul, Haci Zengin was killed by a gas bomb during one of these attacks, while the police have injured dozens of others.
"The EUTCC - ends the statement - looks forward to a future Newroz being celebrated in a truly democratic Turkey that honours the heritage of all its citizens".
The statement is signed by Kariane Westrheim (Chair of EUTCC), Michael Gunter (Secretary general), Hans Brancheidt (Board of Directors) and Judge Essa Moosa (Board of Directors).
