[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       FORCED CLOSURE OF CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE IN TURKEY

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                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the observance 
of United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
  As Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in 
Europe, I am particularly disturbed by the recent forced closure of the 
Diyarbakir Representation Office by Turkish Authorities. The Office had 
just opened by the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey on June 13, 1998, 
with the aim of assisting victims of torture in the southeastern region 
of Turkey. The Foundation operates similar treatment and rehabilitation 
centers in Ankara, Izmir, Istanbul, and Adana. Since 1990, these 
centers have assisted over 3,000 torture victims and have gained 
national and international respect. The unwarranted closure of the 
Diyarbakir center by the authorities only four days after it opened is 
but the latest form of harassment directed against those seeking to 
provide professional help to victims of torture in Turkey.
  I call upon the Government of Turkey to stop its campaign of 
harassment and intimidation of human rights non-governmental 
organizations, including the Human Rights Foundation. If Prime Minister 
Yilmaz is serious about ending torture in Turkey, Mr. Speaker, he 
should redirect the resources of the state to vigorously prosecute 
those responsible for acts of torture.

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