URGENT CALL FOR THE LIBERATION OF ASSIA, 3 YEARS OLD VICTIM OF ABDUCTION BY HER RADICAL FATHER AND NOW DETAINED IN A TURKISH DETENTION CENTER In early 2013, religious extremism destroyed the marriage of Mr. Hamza Mandhouj and Ms. Meriam Rhaiem, a French couple of Tunisian origins. The two found themselves in perpetual disagreement, as Hamza Mandhouj espoused increasingly radical views and expressed his desire to join fighters in Syria. Last October, at the peak of their disagreements, Hamza kidnapped their 23 month old daughter, Assia, and fled to Syria where he reportedly joined the ranks of Jabha al Nusra, the Syrian branch of the terrorist group al Qaeda. Since the disappearance of Assia, her mother, Meriam, has worked tirelessly to secure the safe release and return of her daughter, leaving no stone unturned. Soon after the kidnapping, she began a campaign under the name “Never without Assia” and called on the support of the French authorities. Throughout this period, Meriam remained in contact with her ex-husband as he made numerous attempts to persuade her to join his cause and fight with him on the Syrian battlefield. Tragically disillusioned by his radical beliefs, Hamza insisted that it would be more honorable for his daughter to die with him in Syria as a martyr. After months of painstaking negotiations with Hamza, however, Meriam succeeded in convincing him to cross the Syrian border for a meeting in the Turkish province of Hatay. But on the morning of the meeting, Sunday 31st August, Meriam abandoned the rendezvous point, and instead went quickly to the Turkish gendarmerie in Serinyol to participate in a rescue operation that would save her daughter. Assia was rescued at 6am in the morning. Unfortunately, legal complications ensued, as the Attorney General of the Republic of Hatay refused to release Assia due to Meriam’s lack of official proof of guardianship. Consequently, Assia is currently detained in the Department for Foreigners of the Turkish Police in Antakya, still at the mercy of her radical father who has repeatedly vowed to kill her rather than return her to her mother. Furthermore, Hamza has threatened to enlist men from al Nursa to murder Meriam if she attempts to visit Assia at the police station. GNRD has learned that the Turkish authorities require a summary judgement to recognize Meriam’s right to custody of Assia. In light of the developing situation, we urgently call upon the French authorities to act immediately to intervene and protect the lives of Assia and Meriam from radical Islamists. We must come to the assistance of this desperate mother, who has risked everything to save her 3 year old daughter. Assia has already lived through hell in Syria, and she does not deserve to be held in Turkish captivity. We call for an immediate release of Assia and for the safe return to her mother. Please give your support to Assia and Meriam and write immediately a letter of appeal either in French, Turkish or your own language, including the following: • Urging the Attorney General of the Republic of Hatay to release Assia immediately from the Department for Foreigners of the Turkish Police and return her to her mother Meriam without any delay; • Urging the Turkish Police to take necessary measures to prevent any possible violent action of radical Hamza towards Assia and Meriam; • Finally, calling upon the French authorities to act immediately to intervene and protect the lives of Assia and Meriam from radical Islamists. Please send your appeals to: Embassy of France in Turkey Paris Caddesi n° 70 - Kavaklidere6540Ankara +90 (312) 455 45 45 / 455 45 00 [email protected] +90 312 4554545 +90 312 4554500 Embassy of Turkey in France 16 avenue de Lamballe 75016 Paris France Tel: + 33 (01)539.7111 [email protected] Turkish National Police Dikmen Cad. No:11 06100 Cankaya Ankara Turkey [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +90 312 412 31 10-12 Fax: +90 312 466 90 22 Please, also send the copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. gnrd.net/seemore.php?id=843
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:30:52 +0000