AI INDEX: EUR 17/02/96 News Service 149/96
15 AUGUST 1996
CYPRUS: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNS KILLINGS OF GREEK CYPRIOTS ANDS URGES INVESTIGATION
Amnesty International today condemned the killing of Greek Cypriot Solomos Solomos on 14 August 1996, possibly by Turkish Cypriot troops. The human rights organization also condemned the failure of the Turkish Cypriot police to intervene during the beating to death of Tasos Isaac on 11 August.
The human rights organization urges that prompt, thorough and impartial
investigations be carried out into the deaths of Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomos in
conformity with relevant international standards, in particular the United Nations Code of
Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials
which states that "in any event, intentional lethal use
of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life", and requests
that the Turkish Cypriot authorities make the results of the investigations public.
Amnesty International also expressed concern at reports that Turkish Cypriot soldiers
may have fired on the demonstrators, wounding them.
Amnesty International calls on Mr Glafkos Clerides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Rauf Denktas, Leader of the Turkish Cypriot Community and the United Nations peace-keeping forces to take all appropriate measures to ensure that no such incidents happen in future.
ENDS/