(RSF/IFEX) – According to RSF’s information, on 26 January 1998, Haluk Gerger, a columnist for the pro-Kurdish daily “Ulkede Gundem”, went to the Gudul prison in Ankara to begin serving a one-year sentence for “separatist propaganda.”. He was convicted under Turkey’s anti-terror legislation, and the sentence was confirmed by the Court of Cassation. He was […]
(RSF/IFEX) – According to RSF’s information, on 26 January 1998, Haluk
Gerger, a columnist for the pro-Kurdish daily “Ulkede Gundem”, went to the
Gudul prison in Ankara to begin serving a one-year sentence for “separatist
propaganda.”. He was convicted under Turkey’s anti-terror legislation, and
the sentence was confirmed by the Court of Cassation. He was also fined 208
million Turkish lira (equivalent to 5,800 French francs or USD 1,000).
**Updates IFEX alert of 11 December 1997; for background to previous cases
involving Gerger, see IFEX alerts dated 31 May 1996 and 17 October 1995**
Background Information
Gerger was charged in relation to a 15 December 1993 article which appeared
in the pro-Kurdish daily “Ozgur Gundem” (see IFEX alert). The paper was
officially banned in 1992 and is no longer publishing.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Turkish Prime Minister:
Appeals To
His Excellency Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz
Ankara, Turkey
Fax: +90 312 417 04 76
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
