Elyas's lawyer warns once again: 'Elyas's life is at risk'

Click to read the article in Turkish / Kurdish

The life of Elyas Torabibaeskendari who was taken into custody during the 21st Pride March in İstanbul and is now being kept at the Urfa Repatriation Center, is at risk according to Elyas's family and lawyers. 

A man, who they believe is a member of the ISIS attacked Elyas told bianet Mustafa Vefa, a lawyer of the Human Rights Association (İHD) Urfa branch.

Elyas was punched by the aggressor but has no related health problems, informed Vefa and said, "This was the case this time but we are worried. Since Elyas is a LGBTI+ activist, we are afraid of any further attacks." 

"He should be released before any further attacks"

Lawyer Vefa states that above all, it falls upon the UNHCR to do something for Elyas. He drew attention to the following: 

“I follow the refugees in this region for a long time now but it is the first time that I am so worried."

"The administrative detention order for Elyas has to be abolished at once. We are worried that the other refugees will attack Elyas.This happened once.Therefore the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) officials should take immediate action, otherwise it may be too late. Elyas is a refugee under their protection."

"We also told the judge"

Elyas's health is good said lawyer Vefa, and added, "I brought Elyas new clothes. Elyas is in a good mood and wants the news outlets to report about the situation, wants to get out of there as soon as possible. Elyas's life is at risk there. We will also apply to the Constitutional Court (AYM). But we cannot keep quiet just waiting for a decision of the AYM."

"A person's life is at risk, the judges has to rule accordingly. Our request is that the administrative detention order for Elyas should be abolished at once. I have also told how serious the situation is to the judge who ruled for this order."

Lawyer Vefa hopes that the judges will decide taking into consideration the delicacy of the situation and also the international protection status of Elyas.

“Who will be responsible in case there is any harm to Elyas?”

Elyas’s sister Andisneh Torabibaeskendari, on the other hand, says that they are trying to do all they can to make Elyas's voice heard and asks for support. 

"Who will be responsible if the other refugees at the same center do any harm to Elyas," she asks. 

Similar to the lawyers she also called on the UNHCR to do what is necessary for the life security of Elyas.  

What happened?

İstanbul 21. Pride Week Committee announced that the Iranian refugee Elyas who was detained during the 21st Pride March was being kept at the Urfa Repatriation Center. 

They had stated that Elyas risked torture and execution in Iran and requested that Elyas should be released at once and not returned to Iran. However, the court had rejected the lawyer's request and a "deportation order" was made for Elyas.

Elyas is being kept in Urfa Repatriation Center since 17 days ago and the lawyers, rights advocates and LGBTI+ activists are demanding that Elyas should not be sent to Iran and be releases as soon as possible. (EMK/PE)