Freemuse Press Statement: Drop the cases against Ferhat Tunç
This stamement has been sent by e-mail to more than 300 selected media houses and journalists.
Freemuse, The World Forum on Music & Censorship, regret that Turkey continues censoring and prosecuting its artists and intellectuals during a time when Turkey’s Human Rights and Free Expression records are under international scrutiny.
We are concerned over the forthcoming trial in Izmir high Court on 4 October 2007 against our Turkish colleague, Mr. Ferhat Tunç, and deeply worried about the continuous harassment of Ferhat Tunç by Turkish Authorities. We respectfully request immediate dismissal of all cases against Mr. Ferhat Tunç.
We also request a review of Turkish legislation, with the aim of removing any remaining laws that can lead to the imprisonment of artists for practicing their right to free expression.
Singer Ferhat Tunç has never felt as unsafe in Turkey as he does now. Death threats against him are published on the internet, and he faces yet another court case
The Turkish-Kurdish singer Ferhat Tunc could leave Izmir High Criminal Court as a free man on 4 October 2007. The Freemuse delegation succeeded it's mission
Senior Political Advisor Ms Selma Kiliçer from the EU Commission office in Ankara will observe the trial against Ferhat Tunç - and thus join the Freemuse delegation
International campaign in support of musician on trial for remarks on Kurdish issue. Freemuse request the Turkish State to drop its case against singer Ferhat Tunç
EU-politician and famous Danish musician join Freemuse delegation, travelling to attend the court case in Turkey against Kurdish singer Ferhat Tunç on 4 October 2007
A personal letter from Kurdish-Turkish musician Ferhat Tunç who was appointed a 'Freemuse ambassador' in September 2007, about his relationship with the organisation
Despite death threats and continuous court cases, Turkish singer and writer Ferhat Tunç continues to critisise the Turkish court system and the government
"It is us who have killed Hırant Dink. Now its time to kill Ferhat Tunç," read an e-mail delivered to Turkish Police on 24 January 2007 - right after the assassination of Hırant Dink
Another judicial inquiry has been opened against Ferhat Tunç, because of what he said at a concert organised by a political party on 22 July 2006 in Alanya
Video interview with the American musician and political activist Stephan Smith-Said (and others) about the importance of music and of fighting music censorship