SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY

UNCLAS ADANA 0034 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM TU IZ ADANA SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY FEBRUARY 18, 2004 ¶1. This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for February 18, 2004. Please note that Turkish press reports often contain errors or exaggerations; AmConsulate Adana does not vouch for the accuracy of the reports summarized here. POLITICAL, SECURITY, HUMAN RIGHTS ¶2. Ozgur Gundem / On February 13, in Kocakoy Jandarma Corps, Diyarbakir province, Cihan Tunc, a soldier, died as a result of being shot in the back. This did not occur during a military operation. (Editor's Note: Ozgur Gundem is viewed as a pro-Kurdish newspaper. Without saying anything directly, the article is hinting at foul play.) ¶3. Ozgur Gundem / In Adana, Ozgur Gundem distributor Yusuf Orak was allegedly beaten by the police while distributing papers in Barbaros district. Adana Human Rights Organization announced that they are going to fight for Orak's rights. A photo accompanying the article showed the cut and bruised face of a man identified as Yusuf Orak. ¶4. Bolge / Police detained thirteen students at Cukurova University who were on a hunger strike protesting the university's alleged prohibition of student's rights and dismissals. REID