The Istanbul branch of the Lawyers for Freedom Association (ÖHD) Children’s Rights and Memory Commission held a press conference regarding the detention and imprisonment of children following the Newroz celebrations this year.
Commission member Meryem Ağar, who delivered the statement, emphasized that Newroz is an important means of peaceful expression and democratic participation, but criticized the ongoing security-oriented approach.
According to the information provided by Meryem Ağar, 15 children were detained for attending the Newroz celebrations in Yenikapı, Istanbul. Of these children, 4 were imprisoned, 2 were placed under house arrest, and 7 were subjected to judicial control with a requirement to sign regularly. Additionally, 1 child was arrested in Izmir, 1 child in Batman – for singing in Kurdish-, and 1 child in Amed – for attending Newroz. Thus, at least 7 children are currently detained and 2 are under house arrest solely for participating in Newroz.
Stating that the accusations and practices directed at the children constitute violations of children’s rights, Meryem Ağar said that some children were subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Recalling the international conventions to which Turkey is a party, she emphasized that children have the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Meryem Ağar stated that ÖHD has filed legal applications to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment, and called for the release of detained children, the effective investigation of torture claims, and an end to impunity for responsible public officials.
Ağar concluded: “The freedom and dignity of children are among the most fundamental indicators of a democratic society. Punishing children for participating in a peaceful social event is not only an individual violation but also one that targets collective memory and the future.”
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