I would like to take this opportunity to commend Rep. Jim Matheson for his signature on behalf of Leyla Zana, a Turkish/Kurdish woman languishing in an Ankara prison.
Leyla Zana was the first Kurdish woman elected to the Turkish Parliament in 1991 and at her inauguration expressed her wishes that Kurdish and Turkish people might live peacefully together in a democratic framework. This was enough for the Turkish authorities to close down her party. She was later charged with treason in a trial falling short of international standards of fairness and is serving a 15-year sentence.
Along with 70 other members of Congress, Matheson has agreed to sign a letter to be sent to the Prime Minister of Turkey, pleading Zana's case. Time will tell whether this letter will help, but I know that Matheson's involvement has already made a difference.
France Barral
Legislative coordinator, Utah
Amnesty International