Tactics and tools for the protection
of Human Rights Defenders

In what has become known as “the KCK trial”, 151 Kurds are currently facing a possible 15 years-to-life in prison on the charges of being members of an illegal organization. The organization in question, the KCK, stands for Koma Civaken Kurdistan (Democratic Society Congress) and is accused of being a front for the outlawed PKK (Workers Party of Kurdistan). This particular case is especially alarming due to numerous human rights violations committed by Turkish authorities, as well as indications that the trial may be politically motivated. Specific issues include, but are not limited to, lengthy detention while denying bail before the trial, refusal of mother tongue (Kurdish) testimony, and the absence of fair trial safeguards. These actions, among others, violate the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as well as the Turkish Constitution. KHRP recommends that these individuals be tried in a just manner and within a reasonable amount of time, especially in light of the fact that many of the defendants have been in prison without bail since 2009. In addition to this, KHRP would like to see the trail continue to be monitored by domestic and foreign observers to ensure that Turkey complies with its human rights obligations.