GIT-North America is mindful of the
fact that the case
involving Selek dates back to 1998, and that Selek has been acquitted three
times, yet her acquittal has been repeatedly overturned. Continuing with the
cycle of acquittals and re-trials, the process has made Selek the
researcher an intimidating example to all those who may conduct
research into “undesirable” topics,
thereby demarcating stringently the boundaries of free expression and
academic inquiry in
Turkey. This cycle has also turned the trials themselves into a punitive
experience for Selek the defendant, thereby violating her civil rights.
(For more on Selek's detainment and the court process, please visit http://www.pinarselek.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
On the Case of Pınar Selek
Transnational
Work Group on Academic Liberty and Freedom of Research in Turkey, North America
Branch (GIT North America) was formed in response to the escalating and
systematic assault on freedom of thought, freedom of research, and freedom of
expression in Turkey. In keeping with its mission, GIT-North America has been
following with grave concern the case of sociologist-writer
Pinar Selek, who was accused of aiding and abetting in the Spice Market
bombing of 1998, as well as being a member of the illegal PKK--claims
apparently put forth by one person's testimony provided under duress, retracted at court and challenged by multiple expert accounts. On Thursday, November 22, the Istanbul 12th High Criminal
Court has revoked the final ruling of Selek's acquittal.
As
students and professors working in diverse fields, including Ottoman and
Turkish Studies in North America, we are profoundly distressed by Selek’s treatment and we
stand in solidarity with her academic rights to peacefully conduct research and her individual right to a just
closure to this case.
