Birdal: "I want to be free like a bird"

Neslihan CUYAR, Semra PELEK - ISTANBUL

The Chairman of Turkish Human Rights Association Akin Birdal stated that, he wants freedom for thought in Turkey saying, "If you are not able to talk in your own language and identity, you can't feel free like a bird."
Human Rights Society held a "good-bye dinner" in honour of Akin Birdal, who was given 1 year imprisonment by a state security court for provoking public hatred in a speech on Peace Day in 1996. Oral Calislar, who was also convicted for the same guilt attended to the dinner together with many artists, journalists and intellectuals.
"If you are not able to talk in your own language and identity, you can't feel free like a bird. Not only I, but also the mothers of the lost people, the leaders of the political parties and the authors who defend their honour are the defenders of human rights in this country. We want freedom of thought in Turkey," said Mr. Birdal in his speech, adding that he wouldn't be able to talk for a long time.
Mr. Birdal said the dinner marks the end of the "Freedom of Thought" campaign, which the Human Rights Association has started on March, 8. "I hope Turkey would be able to get rid of this shame," he added.