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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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13 June 2008

PRESS RELEASE: GERMANY / TURKEY – Human rights organisation refused visa to Germany to investigate hate crimes

Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) is deeply concerned by the refusal of a visa application to a respected human rights organisation by the German authorities.

The Istanbul Branch of Mazlumder, a well respected NGO in Turkey, was denied visa applications for its members to investigate a recent spate of racial attacks in Germany against minorities, principally of Turkish origin. Whilst the investigation was of an urgent nature, the committee’s applications were not dealt with for almost two months, at which time the application of the committee’s vice-president was turned down.

IHRC spokesperson Seyfeddin Kara said:

“We are deeply concerned by the German authorities’ action in this matter. The work of NGOs and global civil society is crucial to developing solutions to the problems of societal cohesion. Dealing with hate crimes is a priority for the European Union and the OSCE. Germany’s commitment to this process is undermined by this refusal.”

For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+41) 789 242 623, email info@ihrc.org.[ENDS]
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The Islamic Human Rights Commission is an NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org