IFEX – News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT UPDATE – ARMENIA
22 August 2005
Anthropology student Yektan Turkyilmaz released
SOURCE: Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), International PEN, London
**Updates IFEX alert of 5 August 2005**
(WiPC/IFEX) – Yektan Turkyilmaz, a PhD student of cultural anthropology held
in Armenia since mid-June, was released from prison with a suspended
sentence on 16 August 2005. The Malatia-Sebastia district court in the
capital, Yerevan, convicted Turkyilmaz on two counts of attempting to take
antique books out of the country. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio
Liberty (RFE/RL), the decision not to imprison him was made at the request
of state prosecutors who cited Turkyilmaz’s partial acknowledgement of guilt
and his cooperation with investigators. The prosecutor also said
Turkyilmaz’s youth was a reason for leniency. He is required to stay in
Armenia until 30 August and will from then on be free to travel to and from
the country.
Turkyilmaz, aged 33, was arrested at Yerevan Airport on 17 June as he
attempted to leave Armenia. During his visit, he had purchased around 100
books, from the 17th to 20th centuries, mainly from second-hand book shops.
Turkyilmaz has been collecting such books for his own research as well as to
build up a library of Armenian books that would otherwise be lost.
Turkyilmaz claims that he was unaware of legislation that bans the removal
from the country of books more than 50 years old without the Ministry of
Culture’s approval. RFE/RL reports that this new law, which came into force
in January, deals with the smuggling of items of “cultural-historical
value”, as well as narcotics and weapons.
A Duke University representative who was present at the trial welcomed the
news that Turkyilmaz, who will be studying on a scholarship at the
university later this year, will be able to continue his studies on Armenian
issues. Duke University had been among a number of academic institutions
world-wide that had questioned the arrest and lengthy pre-trial detention of
Turkyilmaz, and in particular the fact that he was convicted under a law
that provided up to eight years in prison. Concerns were heightened by
reports that the focus of the interrogation of Turkyilmaz had been on his
academic studies and political beliefs. Turkyilmaz told the press he was
delighted at being released and looks forward to continuing his studies.
For the full RFE/RL report and details of academic institutions’ campaigns
on his behalf, visit
Also see the website dedicated to his case at
For further information, contact Sara Whyatt, the WiPC, International PEN,
9/10 Charterhouse Buildings, Goswell Road, London EC1M 7AT, U.K., tel: +44
207 253 3226, fax: +44 207 253 5711, e-mail: [email protected], Internet:
The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of
WiPC. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
WiPC.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress