It is Turkey Again! Another Atrocity,

Despite previous warnings and the many protestations against the lack of concern shown by the Turkish Authorities and the High Commission for Political Refugees in relation to the plight of Iranian political refugees in Turkey, another atrocity takes place. According to the latest news received, Ali Soleimanizadeh, an Iranian refugee who with his wife and their 7-year old child has been in Turkey for the last 4 years has died in Police custody in Ankara. The Turkish police has stated to his wife that he died whilst “attempting to commit suicide”. According to his wife he had just received a letter from the HCFPR turning down his application for refugee status and giving him 2 weeks notice to leave Turkey. He left his residence on 30/04/2003 to go to HCFPR in Ankara to protest this decision. He was handed over by the HCFPR personnel to the Turkish police who after considerable beatings take him into cutody. On 06/05/2003 police releases the news of his death to his wife.

Everyone knows that the Turkish police, before taking anyone into custody, submit them to a thorough search precisely for any objects which may be used to harm themselves or others. How can the Turkish police justify the claim that he has committed suicide?

The wife of the deceased has declared that she is against immediate burial proposed by the Police. She says until there is an official statement clarifying the cause of death she would oppose any such proposals.

SOS Committee

07/05/2003