His Excellency Ahmet Necdet Sezer

His Excellency Ahmet Necdet Sezer
Presedent of the Republic of Turkey
Office of the Presedent
Cumhurbaskanligi
Ankara
TURKEY
Fax: +90 312 4271330
8 July 2002

Your Excellency,

The International Publishers Association (IPA) is a Non Governmental Organisation representing the publishing industry worl-wide through 78 national, regional and specialised publishers associations in 65 countries. One of its objectives is to defend the right to publish and distribute the works of the mind in complete freedom.

IPA regrets to feel compelled to expressits deep concerns as we learn that writer Omer Asan is to appear in the Istanbul State Security Court on July 2002 for the publication of his book "The Culture of Pontus" by Belge Publishing House. We cannot see any legal reason for justifying the accusation of separatism against Mr. Asan, nor the confiscation of the book, as "The Culture of Pontus" is a purely cultural research on the grammar and vocabulary of an ancient language.

May we respactfully stress that the charges against Omer Asan are in contradiction with the right to freedom of opinion and expression, a right which is guaranteed under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Right and Fundamental Freedoms, which Turkey has ratified.

The International Publishers Association therefore calls for the immediate and unconditional relief of Omer Asan from any charges, the discontinuation of further legal processes againts him and the lift of the ban on the book.

IPA would appreciate to be kept informed of the outcome of the case and further urges the Turkish authorities to review again its legislation that allows for the detention of writers and publishers in violation of their right to freedom of expression with a view to removing all possibilities of further judicial hearings and sentences.

Your sincerely,

Pere Vicens, Chairman
Lars Grahn, IPA Freedom to Publish Committee
Benoit Müller, Secretary General, IPA