Yet Another Child Convicted on "Terror" Charges

Adana 6th High Criminal Court condemns a 15 year-old to 7,5 years in prison for "being a member to an terrorist organization," on grounds that he had participated in a street protest against PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan's conditions of imprisonment. 

Considering the child's good conduct during the trial, the court then reduced the penalty to 3 years and 45 days and taking into account his detention period, ruled for his release from prison.

The child was taken into custody on November 1st, 2008. He had been in Pozantı prison since. 

"17 children have been sentenced last two months for similar offences," Human Rights Association (İHD) Adana branch director Ethem Acikalin told bianet.

"These rulings are incompatible with Turkey's obligations arising from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Turkish Constitution and the Law on the Protection of Children."

Two children were sentenced to a total of 21 years in prison in January on similar provisions. Numerous others are on trial in Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Sırnak and other cities for participating in protests in relation to the Kurdish issue.

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) government made an amendment in the Counter Terror Law (TMY) in 2006, allowing children between ages of 15 and18 to be tried as adults concerning charges defined in that law. As such, just participating in an event called by the PKK results in charges of "membership to a terrorist organization", foreseeing harsh penalties. 

The amendment came after wide spread protests in Diyarbakır and other cities with a majority Kurdish population.

Rights activists demand an alteration in law, to bring the existing practice in par with international standards on child criminal justice system.(BÇ/AGÜ)