Tag Archives: water cannon

Amnesty on Turkey’s Worsening Human Rights Record: 11 Key Issues

Posted on February 24, 2015 by heissenstat

At midnight tonight, Amnesty International issued its Annual Report, The State of the World’s Human Rights.  There is grim reading throughout.  This was a tough year for human rights worldwide. Below I’ll try to outline the main issues that Amnesty … Continue reading →

Posted in Amnesty International, Andrew Gardner, Excessive Force, Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Expression, Gezi Park, Impunity, Internet Freedom, Press Freedom, Taksim, Teargas, Turkey, Women's Rights | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Amnesty on Turkey’s Worsening Human Rights Record: 11 Key Issues

Morning update on Amnesty and the Soma Mining Disaster

Posted on May 15, 2014 by heissenstat

The man doing the kicking is the adviser to the Turkish PM http://t.co/5Z3oVBcXir pic.twitter.com/5CkuKfIebw — The Independent (@Independent) May 15, 2014 A very brief update on Amnesty’s response to the Soma Mining Disaster this morning:

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Gezi trials target health workers

Posted on May 6, 2014 by heissenstat

(Video above: Tear gas and water cannon outside of the German Hospital in June, 2013) As we approach the first anniversary of the Gezi Protests, trials of protestors and others caught up in the Turkish government’s crackdown are picking up … Continue reading →

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Amnesty calls on Turkey: “Respect right to peaceful assembly” on May 1

Posted on April 28, 2014 by heissenstat

In advance of annual May 1 demonstrations, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is talking tough again.  “Give up your hope of Taksim,” he said.  According to Turkish media, tens of thousands of police have been mobilized. In a public statement on … Continue reading →

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New blog on Berkin posted to Amnesty – USA’s main site

Posted on March 13, 2014 by heissenstat

I posted a blog earlier today for the main Amnesty USA site today which gives background on Berkin Elvan and the protests since his death intended for a general audience. I write, in part: It is not simply that an … Continue reading →

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AI Turkey Researcher Andrew Gardner blogs from Istanbul

Posted on March 13, 2014 by heissenstat

Amnesty International’s researcher on Turkey has been in Istanbul monitoring events.  This morning, Amnesty his blog.  He writes: All the evidence suggests that Berkin died because of injuries he sustained last 16 June, when he was hit at close range … Continue reading →

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Tensions as Berkin Elvan is laid to rest

Posted on March 12, 2014 by heissenstat

Yesterday, we carried news of fifteen year old Berkin Elvan’s death. He weighed less than 36 pounds at the time of his death.  In Turkey and in cities throughout the world protests have been held in mourning and in anger.  … Continue reading →

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Clashes in Istanbul over proposed Internet restrictions

Posted on February 8, 2014 by heissenstat

News reports from Istanbul this evening describe police attempts to cordon off sections of Taksim from protestors.  The reports describe police using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowds. According to Reuters: Riot police advanced along Istanbul’s Istiklal … Continue reading →

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Targeting medical personnel in Turkey [updated, January 17]

Posted on January 14, 2014 by heissenstat

One of the most shocking aspects of Turkey’s violent crackdown on peaceful protest has been the willingness of authorities to target medical personnel.  Since then, not only have authorities not been held responsible, but the government has moved to increase … Continue reading →

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Justice for his Birthday: Tweet for Hakan Yaman

Posted on October 10, 2013 by heissenstat

During the Gezi Protests last June, Turkish police set upon Hakan Yaman as he was returning home from work.  They brutally beat him and dragged him into a street fire.  One officer gouged out his eye. Hakan is one of … Continue reading →

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