Front Line welcomes the release of human rights lawyer Ms Filiz Kalayci, executive board member of the Human Rights Association (IHD), on 28 January, after eight months in detention. Her release was ordered during the hearing held, on the same day, before the 11th Heavy Penal Court of Ankara. She is charged of 'aiding an illegal organisation' – the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The charges remain pending and the trial will resume on 10 June 2010.

Filiz Kalayci was first arrested on 12 May 2009 along with four other lawyers, namely Mr Hasan Anlar, Deputy Secretary General of IHD, Mr Halil İbrahim Vargün, former Treasurer of IHD, Mr Murat Vargün, IHD member, and Mr Nedim Tas. The 11th Heavy Penal Court of Ankara ordered their release on 14 May 2009, but the Public Prosecutor appealed the decision and issued another arrest warrant on 25 May 2009. Filiz Kalayci was thus re-arrested on 27 May 2009. She has been detained since then at the F-type (maximum security) Sincan's Women's Prison in Ankara.

It is reported that during the interrogation she was asked why IHD organises activities and issues press releases on prison conditions and human rights violations in prisons, confirming the concern that she was targeted as a result of her legitimate work in defence of human rights.

For further information see Front Line Appeal 28 May 2009 and Front Line Appeal 26 January 2009.