Human Rights Organization of Kurdistan

Meriwani Kurd Jailed

Article 871

January 7, 2007

Meriwan- Hiwa Butimar, 29, was arrested three days ago and sent to an Itlaad jail. He was detained from his place of employment, and the reasons for his detainment are unknown. Political activities would be a likely cause.

Bribery Scheme Uncovered in Van, Turkey

Article 870

January 7, 2007

Tehran- Van, Turkey saw the detainment of several Turkish police and Kurdish Iranian refugees for participating in a bribing scheme. Ali Eygan, Hossein Janturek, along with a Kurdish translator known as Chia were all arrested and jailed. Dawood, Salah, Khamzat, and a Farsi translator known as Ms. Mitra were also detained. Refugees are required to pay fees every six months for simply being in Turkey, and they are not provided with receipts. Any refugee that does not pay this fee will be deported. As Turkish law does not allow non-Turks to seek employment in Turkey, there is no way for the refugees to pay this fee on their own. Normally refugees sell their possessions to pay the fee. Women without possessions or the protection of male family members often are forced to sell themselves to obtain the funds required.

Translated by Samrand Moradi: xorataw@hotmail.com