Five Children Released in Diyarbakir

A new appeal made by the Diyarbakir Bar Association Children's Right Center has secured the release of five children held in prison. However, 55 minors are still being held in a special section of the city's E-type prison and a total of 80 minors face possible prison terms of up to 24 years.

This week the prosecution demanded 9 to 24 years imprisonment for the 80 children alleged to have been involved in the wave of incidents in Turkey's Southeast provincial capital of Diyarbakir during which 11 people, including 5 children, were killed when security forces opened fire on the crowds.

A total of 202 children had been detained in relation to the incidents in Diyarbakir and 91 of them were arrested after their initial custody period. As result of an appeal made by the Diyarbakir Bar Association, all but 55 of the imprisoned children have so far been released in groups.

The Center is preparing to take Turkey to the European Court of Human Rights if their appeals for the release of the children are rejected. It aims to argue that through imprisonment, without having been found guilty and convicted, the educational rights of the children are being violated and that they cannot continue with their education. (KO/II