Lawyer detained over 'chemical weapons' remark

Aryen Turan, a lawyer in Turkey, was detained after calling for an investigation for the allegations that Turkish Armed Forces used chemical weapons in their operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Duvar English

Turkish police on Nov. 3 detained a lawyer working in the western province of Izmir, Aryen Turan, who called for an investigation for the allegations that Turkish Armed Forces used chemical weapons in their operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Turan on Oct. 22 called for an investigation for the allegations in question during the election of Izmir Bar Association. Turan ended her speech with the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” slogan which means “Women, life, freedom” in Kurdish. Turan then was targeted by pro-Islamist and pro-government newspapers.

Turan on Nov. 4 was released under judicial control measures.

Previously, Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV) chairs Şebnem Korur Fincancı was arrested on the alleged charge of “making propaganda for a terrorist organization” for calling and “independent investigation” against the allegations in question.

Media close to the PKK published videos which reportedly showed chemical weapons being used by the army against the PKK in northern Iraq. Several Turkish officials have denied the allegations in question, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.