[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 61 (Thursday, May 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E867-E868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONDEMNING THE ATTACK ON AKIN BIRDAL: TURKEY'S LEADING RIGHTS ADVOCATE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 1998

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, yesterday morning Akin Birdal, the President 
of the Human Rights Association of Turkey (IHD), was gunned down in his 
Ankara office. A right-wing squad has claimed responsibility for the 
attack which left Turkey's most vocal human rights critic comatose.
  Since 1986, under Akin Birdal's leadership, the IHD has established 
itself as the largest independent human rights monitoring NGO in 
Turkey. Akim Birdal has appeared before the Helsinki Commission and met 
with its staff in Washington and Ankara. He is in high regard by 
legislators and diplomats around the world. In recent years he has 
received awards from the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, the 
International Human Rights Law Group and NGOs in Europe. Last year, he 
was elected Vice-President of the prestigious International Federation 
of Human Rights Leagues (FIHD).
  This vile assault takes place against a backdrop of repression and 
intimidation against rights workers throughout Turkey. The Government 
of Turkey has criminalized non-violent human rights advocacy. Security 
forces and right-wing death squads have collaborated in the murders of 
human rights activities, Journalists, Kurdish dissidents and others. 
More than a dozen IHD offices have been closed by authorities and IHD 
leaders, including Mr. Birdal face continuous legal and other 
harassment.
  Mr. Speaker, despite great personal danger, Akin Birdal and his 
colleagues dared to continue speaking against human rights violations 
by the State. The IHD has been especially critical of the ``dirty war'' 
waged against Turkey's Kurdish rebels. In recent weeks, the climate of 
intimidation escalated. Mr. Birdal reported numerous death threats 
against himself and his family. Unsubstantiated allegations by security 
officials leaked to the media stated that Birdal took orders from the 
PKK, an outlawed Kurdish guerrilla group. Mr. Birdal vigorously denied 
such allegations and denounced the ``primitive conspiracy'' 
orchestrated by Turkey's military rulers against their ``enemies 
list.''
  Mr. Speaker, the shooting of Akin Birdal is a great tragedy for all 
who cherish human rights. His steadfast support for peace and non-
violence is an inspiration to many in Turkey and abroad. IHD was 
working with NGOs around the world to commemorate the 50th anniversary 
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this auspicious 
occasion, it

[[Page E868]]

is sad to note deteriorating human rights conditions in Turkey and a 
steady slide towards outright military rule. Instead of supporting the 
work of independent human rights NGOs, which make significant 
contributions to development of civil society and the rule of law, the 
Government of Turkey instead represses them, labels their members 
``terrorists,'' and makes them open targets.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States Government supports Turkey militarily, 
economically and politically. Turkey is a NATO ally and member of the 
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I therefore 
welcome the settlement by the State Department spokesperson condemning 
the attack and urging that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
  However, our government must do more to demonstrate our commitment to 
democracy in Turkey. If we truly value a stable and long-term 
relationship, we must not continue to ignore the fact that the 
military's predominance in politics precludes true democracy. The 
inability of military or civilian administrations to peacefully address 
the Kurdish problem or the rise of Islamic political activism remains a 
recipe for disaster. The resulting political instability fuels the 
climate in which human rights activists are attacked, free speech is 
curtailed and other fundamental freedoms eroded.
  Mr. Speaker, as I speak today, my thoughts and prayers are with Akin 
Birdal, his family, his colleagues at IHD and all those in Turkey 
committed to the ideals of human rights and democracy. It is a sad day 
for all, and we can only hope that this incident will make people think 
and act seriously about the state of human rights in Turkey.

                          ____________________