Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic Genocide News

The situation in Turkish prisons still tense
by The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 00-12-22
Posted: Saturday, December 23, 2000 10:54 am CST

The situation in the Turkish prisons is still tense. Despite the international outcry,Turkish security forces stormed the Umraniye prison in Konstantinopolis where 400 inmates are still resisting . The real number of dead is still unknown . Turkish authorities speak of 22 dead, while relatives of the prisoners maitain that there are at least 50 prisoners dead and 300 injured.

Turkish oficials said most of the prisoners who died in the raids had set themselves on fire .

Commenting on the violent incidents in Turkey , Greek Goverment Spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters that when Turkey resolved its problems succesfully , it would be able to enter in the EU.

Mr. Reppas stressed that Greece as well as the other European countries had every right to criticise such incidents, as they would be sitting at the same table with Turkey to make decisions concerning the future of Europe.

Violation of human rights has been repeatedly noted in Turkey said Mr.Reppas stressing that a political prisoner even faced capital punishment , tragic phenomena which did not correspond to the characteristics of a European country .

The President of the Greek Parliament has sent letters to his counterparts in the Parliaments of European countries ,the US and Canada calling them to take the initiative to defend human rights in Turkey .

Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos yesterday expressed the hope that the European Commission and the European Union will send the "right message" to Turkey, regarding the means it chose to deal with the country's political prisoners.

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