Following the breakdown of a ceasefire there are reports that a major offensive by government forces against the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) has begun, with fears that this will lead to an increase in human rights violations committed by both sides. In the past, security forces have raided villages, particularly those which refuse to join the village guard system. These villagers have then been subjected to torture, ill-treatment and extrajudicial execution, by members of the police, military or civil defence. Those who are detained are at risk of further torture, death in custody or “disappearance”. In urban areas, relatives of guerrillas, government opponents and alleged PKK supporters are assassinated. PKK guerrillas are also responsible for the killing of prisoners and civilians.
