Investigation into Prison Bloodshed

Istanbul regional administrative court gives way for an investigation into security forces' operation in prison facilities in December 19, 2000, which left 32 people dead.

The court overturned the governorships rejection for an administrative investigation for a third time.

The security operation, ironically named "Return to Life", was aimed at breaking resistance of political prisoners against the new F-type facilities.

Activists and NGO reports say gross human rights violations were committed during the operations.

Before and after the operations 122 people died in hunger strike, protesting the isolation of convicts in F-type facilities. Lawyer Behic Asci still continues his hunger strike.

While the government is still resistant to act for improving the conditions in facilities, several members of the cabinet met with the demanders in recent days for a solution.

Governorship blocks investigation

The court took into account the complaints of the convicts about security forces who attended the operation.

Following the complaints, a preliminary administrative investigation was done; where the security personnel said that the convicts resisted the evacuation, used peers as human shields and sparked an insurgence.

They rejected claims of use of disproportional force and said they only followed orders.

Concerning the incidents in Bayrampasa facility in Istanbul, the governorship rejected further investigation, as it's necessary to take its consent for trial of public servants.

The court overruled that decision as unlawful and against the procedure.(AO/TK/EU)