Fax message sent to Normandy by the director and the information officer of Mineral Policy Institute
Emet Deširmenci, April 16, 2002
April 15, 2002 Dr IG Gould Group Managing Director Normandy Mining Limited Fax: +61 (0)8 8303-1900 Tel: +61 (0)8 8303-1700 PO Box 7175 Hutt Street Adelaide, South Australia 5000 Australia Dear Dr Gould, RE: THE ARREST OF OKTAY KONYAR IN TURKEY We have today received information that Mr Oktay Konyar, a leader of Bergama Villagers in Turkey, and a critic of your proposed Ovacek gold mine, was arrested on April 12. We are informed that he was arrested at Soma police station while submitting an application requesting permission to make a press conference. He was charged with "insulting a police officer.". His lawyers have requested his release, but we understand that their request has been rejected. We hold grave concerns for the health and well-being of Mr Konyar while he is in police custody or in prison. I'm sure you will agree that it is important that we all support the right of people to participate in democratic debate about projects that have the potential to affect their lives. It is therefore incumbent on us all to act when this right may be threatened. We strongly urge that Normandy ugently contact the Turkish police authorities and request the immediate release of Mr Konyar, and seek assurances as to his future safety. Thank you for your attention. We will telephone you to follow through on this urgent matter tomorrow morning. Yours sincerely, Geoff Evans, Director, and Igor O'Neill, Information Officer Mineral Policy Institute
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