01/12/2015 JUA 01/12/2015 AL Case No Country Mandate(s) TUR 4/2015 Turkey Freedom of expression; Independence of judges and lawyers; Summary executions; USA 20/2015 Summary United States of executions; America Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply 31/12/2015 Alleged killing of a well-known human rights lawyer in Diyarbakir, Turkey. According to the information received, Mr. Tahir Elçi, a human rights lawyer and head of the Bar Association of Diyarbakir, was shot dead on 28 November 2015 in what was reported as a ‘gun battle’ between police officers and unidentified armed men in the old town of Diyarbakir. His death happened shortly after he had delivered a press statement, calling for an end to violence between Turkish security forces and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Serious concerns are expressed about the killing of Mr. Tahir Elçi and the possible negative effect it could have on lawyers and human rights defenders, in particular with regard to the exercise of their right to freedom of opinion and expression. The authorities are called to carry out a thorough, independent and transparent investigation and bring those responsible to justice, in line with Turkey’s international human rights obligations. Alleged large number of killings as a result of gun violence in the United States of America. According to the information received, 49 school shootings were reported so far in the country in 2015. Reports also indicate that in 2015 alone there were 41,909 incidents of gun violence leading to 10,577 deaths, and 21,499 persons injured. 274 mass shootings were also reported in this period, as well as 1,500 accidental shootings. Concern is expressed that the legal framework in place for the use and possession of firearms in the country may not provide an environment conducive to the protection of the right to life and may therefore be in breach of the State’s duty to exercise due diligence to prevent violations of this right. A/HRC/32/53 12 Date Type