Magazine Head Arrested for Demonstrations

Ozgen Is, the editor-in-chief of the "Revolutionary Contestation Union," a magazine published twice a month, has been arrested for violating Turkey's demonstrations law and for "resisting the police." The journalist said he was beaten up as he was detained and objected to his arrest through his lawyer.

Three out of ten were arrested

Ozgen Is was detained as he was watching a press statement organized in the Istanbul district of Ikitelli, to criticize the behavior of police who used guns to stop a group that was hanging up posters on January 6, that read, "Let the Prisons Collapse, Let the Prisoners Free." Two other people were detained with Ozgen Is and they were taken to the Metris Prison.

Ten people, including Ozgen Is, were taken to the Avcilar Court House on January 12. The court listened to Ozgen Is and then arrested him, and Ayse Oral and Ayse Rojda Sen from the Moonlight Art Center. The other seven people were released.

Ozgen Is was arrested for violating the "demonstrations law no:2911," and for "resisting the police." His lawyer objected to his arrest on January 13.

"Is was hit on his head"

Ozlem Oral, the partner of the company that publishes the "Revolutionary Contestation Union," magazine, said Ozgen Is was hit on his head as he was being detained and taken to the prison. She said the journalist was suffering from headaches and dizziness. She added that his hair was forcefully cut very short in prison.

Ozgen Is, who is 21-years-old, served as an editor-in-chief for four months. (EO/BB/EA/NM)