OHCHR Press Briefing Note - 1) Turkey
Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Cécile Pouilly
Location: Geneva
Subject: 1) Turkey
1)Turkey
We are concerned about reports of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers against protestors who initially
gathered to express their dissatisfaction with the redevelopment of the historic Taksim square - an important venue for
political protests - and Gezi Park, and against others who joined demonstrations to support them throughout Turkey.
We welcome the acknowledgment on the part of authorities that disproportionate force may have been used and their call
for an investigation of law enforcement officers who are alleged to have broken the law and violated international human
rights standards. Such investigations should be prompt, thorough, independent and impartial, and perpetrators should be
brought to justice.
There have also been reports that a high number of people have been arrested and dozens have been injured throughout
Turkey. All those injured must have prompt access to medical care and human rights safeguards during arrest and
detention must be upheld to avoid unlawful or arbitrary detentions.
We call on the Government of Turkey to ensure that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly is fully respected and urge
protestors to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful.
We encourage the authorities to enter into a genuine dialogue with the civil society, including neighbourhood
associations, on the urban projects in the Taksim square and Gezi park.
ENDS