Dear Supporters of Leyla Zana and Friends:

The continued imprisonment of former member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mrs. Leyla Zana by the Turkish government is a moral outrage.  The nature of the charges against her, originating as they do not from any acts she committed but because of words that she spoke, is completely unacceptable for those who are committed to upholding the most basic standards of human rights.

I salute the hunger strikers who are courageously supporting Mrs. Zana and bringing her difficult situation to the attention of the Congress and the American people.  You are frustrating the authorities in Turkey, who believe that by imprisoning Mrs. Zana and others like her who have spoken out for human rights in Turkey, they can silence all criticism.  I hope that your actions will bring home to the government in Ankara that supporters of human rights and the rights of minorities are too many, and too courageous, to be intimidated by the repressive measures now directed at the prisoners of conscience in Turkey.

With Best Wishes,
Benjamin A. Gilman, Chairman