Century's Legal Bureau (Asrin Hukuk Burosu) Gumussuyu, Gumussuya cad. Dumen sok no 3 Dumen Apt. kat:2, no: 12 Taksim, Istanbul Tel 011.90 212 2929550-51-53 Fax 011.90.212 2496206

Abdullah Ocalan Faces Execution without Trial

The Abdullah Ocalan case exposes just how the Turkish justice system operates.

When they brought Abdullah Ocalan to Turkey, although the Turkish courts and the European system of human rights states that people cannot be deemed guilty prior to conviction, the Turkish media, political parties and official bodies have all found him guilty without putting him on trial. They have all been stating with certainty that Ocalan will be executed and that his execution is imminent.

The results of the recent elections saw the national movement party, MHP, become the second largest party in the land and likely to be a partner in the next coaltion government. MHP General Secretary Koray Aydin stated in an interview on 22 April that his party is determined to see Ocalan convicted at any cost.

Even if it does not win a place in government, the MHP will be the biggest opposition party and determined to use its influence to ensure that Ocalan is executed. Those who expect Turkey to behave like a democratic country are likely to be disappointed by its actions if it behaves anything like the way indicated by this potential party of government.

Government bodies and party leaders, along with much of the press, are openly stating that Ocalan will be executed without even waiting for the due process of law. This is prejudging the outcome and making it impossible for the trial judges to take any other decision.

How can it be possible for Bulent Ecevit, who has always spoken proudly of his belief in justice and democratic principles, justify entering into coalition with the MHP after what it has said on the Ocalan case?

Like everyone else Ocalan has the right to a fair trial and this is a basic right that cannot be removed from him.

If they carry on with such explanations and go ahead with a trial and execution on this basis it can only lead to an escalation of conflict in the country.

We call on the media, the government and political parties of Turkey to stop their violations of legality.

Lawyers for Abdullah Ocalan

Ahmet Zeki Okculoglu (signed) Irfan Dundar(signed)