7 May 2003

Turkish-Cypriot journalist prevented from moving freely

SOURCE: International Press Institute (IPI), Vienna

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a letter to Rauf R. Denktash, leader of the

Turkish-Cypriot Community, by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

H.E. Rauf R. Denktash

Leader of the Turkish-Cypriot Community

Lefkosa

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

By Fax: +90 392 22 722 52

Vienna, 7 May 2003

Your Excellency,

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), strongly condemns the ongoing inhumane treatment of the Turkish-Cypriot journalist Shener Levent, publisher of the AVRUPA-AFRIKA newspaper.

According to information before SEEMO, on the night of Saturday, 4 May 2003, Shener Levent went to the Turkish roadblock in order to cross into the area of Nicosia, but was stopped by Turkish-Cypriot authorities in civilian clothes and not allowed to leave the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

Consequently, Shener Levent could not meet his colleagues from the Union of Cyprus Journalists, who were waiting for him for a scheduled meeting.

In SEEMO's opinion, the actions of the authorities against Shener Levent are a violation of the principles of human rights treaties and other instruments, as well as international law.

Therefore, SEEMO denounces the action of the Turkish regime and supports the Cypriot journalists and people, who gathered on 6 May at the Ledra Palace checkpoint in order to demonstrate their support for Shener Levent.

SEEMO demands the immediate and unconditional release of Shener Levent and other journalists in the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". We further urge that your authorities respect the fundamental principles of international law and basic human rights, including the principles of freedom of opinion and expression, and the free flow of information.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Oliver Vujovic

SEEMO Secretary General

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Similar appeals can be sent to:

H.E. Rauf R. Denktash

Leader of the Turkish-Cypriot Community

Lefkosa, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Fax: +90 392 22 722 52

Please copy appeals to the source if possible.

For further information, contact IPI at Spiegelgasse 2, A-1010 Vienna, Austria,

tel: +43 1 512 90 11, fax: +43 1 512 90 14, e-mail: Michael Kudlak at

mkudlak@freemedia.at, Barbara Trionfi at info@freemedia.at, or David Dadge at

ddadge@freemedia.at, Internet site: http://www.freemedia.at, or Oliver Vujovic,

SEEMO Secretary General, Spiegelgasse 2/29, 1010 Vienna, Austria, tel: +43 1 513

39 40, fax: +43 1 512 90 15, e-mail: seemo@journalist.com, Internet site:

http://www.freemedia.at/seemo

The information contained in this action alert is the sole responsibility of

IPI. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit IPI.

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