Sezgin Tanrikulu (Turkey, 1997)

Leading human rights attorney, Sezgin Tanrikulu, won the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award in 1997 for his work promoting legal reform and the rights of Kurdish citizens in southeast Turkey. Founder of the Diyarbakir Human Rights Association, The Victims of Torture Center, and a representative of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, Tanrikulu advocates against the practice of village destruction and regional evictions as well as the extra-judicial torture, killings, and disappearances that occur in police custody.

Though considered an act of treason by the Turkish government, Tanrikulu has submitted complaints to the European Court of Human Rights and has continued to defend clients accused of political offenses. As a result, he has become a victim of persecution and has often faced criminal charges for criticizing human rights abuses committed by the Turkish Government.

So he may continue his work defending the rights of Kurdish citizens the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights (CHR) has developed an Advocacy Team of pro bono human rights attorneys, political leaders and students to assist in Tanrikuluís defense and develop strategies to garner funds and media attention for his cause. To acquire support from the US government, the CHR regularly briefs Congress and The State Department on the human rights violations occurring in Turkey. In addition, the CHR and Tankrilulu are currently planning a Journeys for Justice delegation to Turkey in 2005 in order establish means for change, involve the Kurdish community, and pressure the Turkish government.

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