Kurdistan Observer

Minors On trial in Turkey Over Kurdish Uprising

DIYARBAKIR, (Northern Kurdistan), May 8, 2006 (AFP) - Twenty-three minors went on trial Monday in this mainly Kurdish city over deadly rioting (Uprising) that shook Turkey's restive southeastern region (Northern Kurdistan) a month ago.

They are the first batch out of 80 youths to appear in court on charges ranging from membership of an armed group -- a reference to the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) -- to violating the law on demonstrations.

The remaining minors were expected to be brought to court in groups throughout the week.

Only the parents of the accused were allowed into Monday's hearing since the defendants were all minors.

Defence lawyers said they expected some of their clients to be released on bail.

If convicted, the minors face jail sentences of between nine and 24 years in prison.

Apart from the youths, prosecutors have also indicted 185 adults on similar charges and have called for sentences of between three years and life.

Riots erupted in Diyarbakir, main town of the Kurdish region, on March 28 after youths demanding vengeance attacked the police following the funerals of PKK rebels killed in fighting with Turkish armed forces.

A total of 16 people, including three small boys, were killed when security forces opened fire and used tear gas to disperse crowds.