KHRP is pleased to announce the publication of a new trial observation report on the controversial Şemdinli Bombing.

On 11 July 2007 KHRP sent a mission to observe the opening of the re-hearing at Van 3^rd Heavy Penal Court. In State Accountability?The Şemdinli Trial Re-Hearing, the KHRP mission outlines its concerns regarding State impunity and the independence of the judiciary in light of the events surrounding the Court of Appeal ruling, and the eventual handing of the case to military jurisdiction.

The November 2005 bombing of the Kurdish-owned Umut bookstore in the town of Şemdinli in south-east Turkey killed one man and injured two others. Two individuals accused of planting the explosives were non-commissioned army officers, raising the spectre of ‘deep state’ involvement in the attacks. The trial of the two officers, Ali Kaya and Özcan İldeniz, began in May 2006 and was observed reported by KHRP in 2006’s Promoting Conflict – The Şemdinli Bombing. On 19 June 2006 both men were sentenced to 39 years imprisonment each. However, on 16 May 2007 the Court of Appeal overturned the verdict, ordering the case to be re-heard.

ISBN: 978-1-905592-13-5

Free copies of the report may be accessed and downloaded on KHRP’s website HERE. Printed copies are available for £10.00 + P&P through our online shop.

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