(WiPC/IFEX) – The trial against Nadire Mater, a writer accused of “insulting the military” for a book of interviews with Turkish soldiers who had served in the south-east of the country, has been prolonged still further. On 6 May 2000, the court opened briefly to hear that a specialist who is to provide evidence for […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The trial against Nadire Mater, a writer accused of “insulting the military” for a book of interviews with Turkish soldiers who had served in the south-east of the country, has been prolonged still further. On 6 May 2000, the court opened briefly to hear that a specialist who is to provide evidence for the prosecution was not yet ready to present his report. The trial was postponed once again to 7 July. Mater was not present at the court, and remains free, as does Semih Sokmen, publisher of the book, who is also standing trial.
This is the second such postponement of the trial due to the prosecution’s expert witness being unable to produce a report to the court. Mater faces a maximum of six years in prison on charges of “insulting the military” in her book “Mehmed’s Book: Soldiers who have fought in the South East speak out”.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the minister of justice:
– expressing your deep concern that Mater and her publisher, Sokmen, are on trial on charges that could lead to a maximum of six years in prison
– stating that you consider the judicial proceedings to be in blatant disregard of international standards guaranteeing the right to freedom of expression
– calling for an annulment of the charges against Mater and Sokmen
– calling for a review of all legislation that allows for the imprisonment of those who practice their right to express their views
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
His Excellency Hikmet Sami Turk
Minister of Justice
Adalet Bakaligi
06440 Bakaniklar
Ankara, Turkey
Fax: + 90312 417 3954
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
