ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Three Turkish police officers were arrested for “deliberate injury” of Kurdish teenager on Monday, in the district of Lice in Diyarbakir (Amed), according to a legal body in the city.
Yilmaz Diken, the father of the teenager, told Rudaw on Wednesday via telephone that his 14-year-old son Yusuf was kidnapped by police officers during Newroz, Kurdish New Year, celebrations in Diyarbakir.
He claimed that his son was tortured for seven hours and told to “swear at Kurds and praise Turks”, as well as being threatened to be killed if he did not memorize the Turkish national anthem and a famous speech titled “Address to the youth” by former president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Diken added that Yusuf had his hands and feet tied from behind and was thrown to the side of a creek.
Five police officers were initially taken for questioning for “stripping a person of their freedom” and “intentional harming,” according to the Diyarbakir Bar association.
Three of the officers were arrested after being charged with “deliberate injury,” announced the Lice criminal court on Monday, adding that the remaining two officers were cleared on both accusations as Yusuf was unable to recognize them.
Diyarbakir Governor's office announced on Sunday that they had suspended five officers involved in the incident from their duties.
Newroz celebrations hold particular importance for Kurds in Turkey, who were not allowed to celebrate the occasion that signals the beginning of spring for decades.
Although Kurds can celebrate now, they are still face numerous obstacles through instances of violence.
The Istanbul Governor's office on March 19 announced the arrest of 224 people during the Newroz celebrations in the city, which saw many people wave the Kurdistan flag.
The Turkish state has at times denied the existence of Kurds, with the use of the word “Kurdistan” also often creating controversy in the country.
By Azhi Rasul
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