Lawyers' Association for Freedom Istanbul Branch Co-Chair Gürkan Istekli said that an independent committee should carry out an investigation into the use of chemical weapons by the Turkish state.
Lawyers' Association for Freedom (ÖHD) Istanbul Branch Co-Chair Gürkan Istekli criticized the unlawful arrest of Şebnem Korur Fincancı, one of Turkey's leading human rights activists and an internationally recognized forensic expert and free press worker. Speaking to ANF, Istekli emphasized that the recent arrests demonstrate the government's violation of freedom of expression.
'INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE SHOULD CONDUCT INVESTIGATION'
Istekli said that the detentions and arrests emerged after the release of images that showed that chemical weapons had been used and the public backlash against it. Istekli pointed out that the government crackdown actually raised new doubts.
The lawyer insisted that what needs to be done is to ensure that an impartial and independent committee carries out an investigation to find out whether chemical weapons were used instead of targeting those who requested investigation into the footage. “If the government denies the use of these weapons, then an independent committee should be formed to carry out an investigation. However, if Fincancı, lawyers and journalists are targeted, then questions actually increase.”
'THE PRESS IS FREE'
The lawyer added: “If a person who came from abroad voluntarily to testify is arrested, then suspicions arise that the allegations in question might be true, and there is an attempt to obscure them.”
Istekli also reacted to the arrests of Kurdish journalists, saying that the press is free to decide which news to follow.
‘THEY ARE ENCOURAGED BY SOCIETY’S APATHY!’
The lawyer emphasized that the rise of violence and fascism in the run-up to the elections means that facts are hidden from society. Istekli noted that it is no surprise that the government that relies on unlawfulness, manipulations and disinformation implements such tyrannical methods, and added that violence and crackdowns will increase as the election approaches. “It should not be forgotten that the government is encouraged by the silence of society. As we raise our voice, this unlawfulness and crackdown may regress. As lawyers, we will be against these arbitrary practices to the end.”
