JINHA

ISTANBUL – Sibel Çapraz, who was wounded when the police opened fire from armored vehiclesin Yüksekova, arrested while her treatment continued, will stand trial today. Sibel’s lawyer Banu Güvener calls for solidarity with Sibel by underlining that the recently decisions of the court are political not juridical.

Hakkari People’s Assembly Co-Chair Sibel Çapraz was seriously wounded when the police opened fire from armoured vehicles on 28 November 2015 in Yüksekova district of Hakkari. Sibel, who went through 15 surgeries and her treatment continues, was arrested on charge of “being member of an [illegal] organization” and “inciting people to hatred and hostility” on March 3. Sibel was exiled to İzmir Menemen R Type Prison from Bakırköy Prison despite being seriously sick. Sibel, who was isolated in Menemen despite the reports of doctor, was sent back to Bakırköy Prison after the reactions of the people. Sibel, whose health condition is getting worse, will stand trial today.

Sibel Çapraz’s lawyer Banu Güvener spoke to our agency before the trial. She said, “My client has been held in prison with the decision unfair and dishonest. No reason can be continue her arrest. If she continues to be held in prison, this decision will be political decision. We expect she will be release for her health condition but we cannot speak precisely because there isn’t an independent judiciary. Sibel’s body has had severe damages due to the gunfire. She was taken into prison as wounded. They tried to find evidence against her because they didn’t have a case against her. They forcibly took testimony from the people against her. Sibel has been held in the prison even though the people said they were forced to sign the testimony under torture and the testimonies are shown as evidence. Sibel should be in hospital not prison.”

Banu called for solidarity with Sibel by underlining that the recently decisions of the court are political not juridical.

(ro/mg/gd)