OSCE calls on Turkey to respect human rights commitments on Öcalan trial

COPENHAGEN, 24 February 1999 - Mrs. Helle Degn, M. P., President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), appeals to the Turkish authorities to guarantee a fair trial for the arrested leader of the PKK, Abdullah Öcalan.

"As a member of the OSCE, and other European institutions, Turkey has committed itself to observe the highest human rights standards, including those of the European Convention on Human Rights. The right to a fair trial must be respected by all members of the OSCE. Mr. Öcalan's rights must also be protected during his detention. He must have access to legal representation."

President Helle Degn emphasized the importance of an open legal process. "It is in the interest of justice, and also in the vital interests of the Turkish state, that the entire process, the forthcoming trial in particular, will be transparent. In this respect the presence of international observers at the trial will be important. Any doubt which may be cast over the fairness of the process, would be harmful for the entire European family of nations, to which Turkey belongs."

President Degn also appeals to the supporters of the PKK and Mr. Öcalan, who reside in Western Europe, to respect the law. "In a democracy any person has the right to peaceful demonstration. But a democratic state cannot tolerate the use of violence, including the occupation of diplomatic missions and the taking of hostages. Perpetrators of these criminal acts must be brought to justice in the countries where such acts are committed."

For further information, please contact Mr. Jan Jooren, Counsellor, Press and Public Affairs, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, at telephone +45 3332 9400, fax +45 3332 5505, e-mail jan@oscepa.dk