Martin Pradel, you are a lawyer at the Paris Bar, you were mandated by FIDH and OMCT in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders to observe today’s hearing against Pinar Selek in Istanbul. Martin Pradel, Pinar Selek was just acquitted, can you give us your analysis on the form and substance of the court’s decision?
Regarding the form, my analysis is that we are before a cour d’assises which has rejected the arbitration of the Cassation Court of Turkey. With regard to the substance, we couldn’t be more pleased with this decision as it represents courage over absurdity of the unfair and unfounded proceedings which were brought against Pinar Selek, an intellectual and human rights defender, who has always fought for the rights of minorities, women’s rights and the rights of children. We are evidently delighted by this decision which demonstrates a certain evolution of Turkey toward the rule of law.
The case will now be transferred to the Cassation Court, do you think that there is a chance that the case may be abandoned once and for all?
We have reason to be concerned that the case may not be dropped altogether. It is important to remember that Pinar Selek had already previously been acquitted three times and each time the prosecution sought to continue the charges against her. Therefore, we hope that these proceedings will cease and that the prosecutor of Istanbul will finally see reason and abandon the absurd charges against Pinar Selek.
Martin Pradel, thank you very much for your analysis, live from Istanbul.
An interview led by Hugo Gabbero, Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (FIDH-OMCT)
For more information on the Pinar Selek case, click on the video below
Turquie > Testimony of Pinar Selek regarding acts of torture