[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 183 (Friday, November 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2213-E2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        JUSTICE FOR ALIZA MARCUS

                                 ______


                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 17, 1995

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and relived that on November 9, 
Turkey's State Security Court voted unanimously to acquit American 
citizen Aliza Marcus. Justice has been served with this complete 
vindication.
  Ms. Marcus never should have been arrested in the first place. She 
committed no crime. Ms. Marcus only was guilty of reporting the truth 
about the ongoing Turkish military campaign of forced evacuation and 
destruction of Kurdish villages. She was merely doing her job--and 
doing it well.
  Ms. Marcus' acquittal is an encouraging indication that Turkey may be 
willing to reform its ways. However, this is one small step down a long 
road. Turkey's prosecution of speech, 

[[Page E 2214]]
writing, and other peaceful expressions violates numerous international 
human rights commitments undertaken by Turkey. Change will truly be 
evident not when the Aliza Marcuses are acquitted, but when they are 
not arrested in the first place.

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