On March 19th a group of students opened a stand giving out Turkish delight (distributed to honor the soul of someone who has recently deceased). This was to honor 46 soldiers who lost their lives in Afrin. A second group of students (anti-war students) protested by opening a banner in opposition. A quarrel allegedly started between the two and it was reported that the students' stand was ... Continue Reading>>
The Science Academy of Turkey Issues Statement on Freedom of Speech and Science
The Bilim Akademisi, the Turkish Science Academy, issued a statement noting its concerns on the growing restraints on freedom of speech and freedom of science presently in Turkey. Their statement follows: The Science Academy Statement on Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Science, February 2018 The Science Academy sees it necessary to publicly express once again its concerns on the ... Continue Reading>>
CCS Co-Chair Endorses Sanctions Against Turkish Officials Responsible for Arrests and Trials of U.S. Citizens
Following a failed coup attempt in July 2016 against the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, many Turkish citizens and visitors from other countries have been held as parties to this event. There was a round-up of tens of thousands of citizens who were considered parties to the failed coup. Several American dual citizens were arrested in this round-up, one being an employee of NASA, ... Continue Reading>>
NASA Scientist Imprisoned in Turkey Sentenced to 7.5 Years
Serkan Golge, the NASA scientist arrested and charged with being complicit in the attempted coup in Turkey, was sentenced today to 7.5 years in prison. In July 2016, Golge was accused of spying for the CIA, arrested and charged with terrorism. Golge has always denied any involvement in this event. Golge, his wife and two young sons were in Iran to visit family when the coup attempt took ... Continue Reading>>
The 11 TMA Council Members Arrested in Turkey Released; Charges Not Dropped
The 11 Council members of the Turkish Medical Association who were arrested and jailed last week for issuing a statement stating that war was a health hazard, have been released from jail. The authorities have not imposed a travel ban, but the charges have not been dismissed and they still have to report to court monthly to sign in. CCS and other human rights and medical groups are asking that ... Continue Reading>>
International Reaction to Turkey’s Treatment of the Turkish Medical Association
Summary of actions concerning the Turkish Medical Association. It has been requested by numerous organizations that letters and press releases be sent notifying ambassadors, Turkish authorities, the media, and others about the situation regarding the Turkish Medical Association (referred to as "TMA" and "TTB") and its members for writing a Press Release describing war as a threat to public ... Continue Reading>>
CCS Calls On Turkish Government to Stop Hostile Actions Against Turkish Medical Association
On Tuesday, January 24, the Turkish Medical Association (TMA) received several threats of physical violence and death, some of them identified as coming from a government-recognized civilian militia group known as Halk Özel Harekatı (HÖH). The campaign began after the Turkish Medical Association issued a statement denouncing war as a threat to public health, with specific reference to the war ... Continue Reading>>
Verdict for US NASA Scientist, Jailed in Turkey, Scheduled for February 8
NASA scientist, Serkan Golge, accused of spying for the CIA was arrested in July 2016 and charged with terrorism. He is one of thousands caught up in a government crackdown following a failed coup attempt in Turkey at that time. Golge has always denied any involvement in this event. One of CCS' Board Co-Chairs, Dr. Eugene Chudnovsky, explained that "scientists currently jailed are not released, ... Continue Reading>>
CCS Requests Charges Be Dismissed Against Serdar Kuni, Imprisoned for Treating “Militants” In Turkey
Dr. Serdar Kuni was sentenced to 4 years in prison for what appears to be providing medical care to those in need, as required of all physicians. Dr. Kuni is the representative in Cizre of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey. He has been released pending his appeal, but what is required is that he be released and charges be dropped. December 23, 2017 Mr. Bekir Bozdağ Minister of ... Continue Reading>>
Gulmen Granted Conditional Release, Ozakca Acquitted – Turkish Professor and Teacher Who Had Been on a Hunger Strike After Termination of Employment
Nuriye Gulmen a 35-year old Turkish literature professor lost her job after the Turkish coup attempt and began a 269-day hunger strike with her spouse who had also been terminated as a teacher. Gulmen had been hospitalized before her trial began as her health had seriously deteriorated. She was sentenced to six years and three months in prison for "membership in an armed terror group," referring ... Continue Reading>>