(29 Jun 1999) Turkish/Nat
The death sentence against the Kurdish guerilla leader Abdullah Ocalan was greeted with cheers in the port of Mudanya - where relatives of Turks killed in the Kurdish conflict had gathered.
Many Turks hold the PKK leader responsible for the estimated 37-thousand deaths suffered during a 15 year battle for independence.
Every death sentence is automatically appealed in Turkey.
If the appeals court reaffirms the verdict, it goes to parliament and then to the President for approval.
There is overwhelming support among Turks for Ocalan to be executed especially among families of those who died at the hands of Kurdish rebels.
Parliament must pass a law to approve the hanging and the process could take months.
Meanwhile police in Turkey and several European capitals beefed up security ahead of the verdict.
Turkish sharp shooters were clearly visible across Mudanya on Tuesday morning.
In February 1999, Kurds staged violent attacks in Turkey, killing more than a dozen people, after Turkish commandos captured Ocalan.
Angry protests also erupted across Europe at the same time.
Authorities say they are taking no chances this time. They're on high alert for plane hijackings or other attacks.
Ocalan has predicted widespread bloodshed if he is hanged.
Meanwhile many analysts believe Ocalan's rebels may refrain from riots or major attacks until the death sentence reaches parliament, where the decision on execution moves from the legal to the political arena.
VOX POP: (Turkish)
"This is the verdict we were expecting. Let this be a message to all the other PKK guerrillas in the mountains. Every one of them will be chased down and will face the same fate as Ocalan." Reporter question, "Do you think parliament will confirm the decision?" Answer: "Yes, we have faith in our MPs and trust them to deliver."
SUPER CAPTION: Relative of victim of PKK
VOX POP: (Turkish)
"I don't know what to say. I'm overcome with emotion. I only lost my son a year ago."
SUPER CAPTION: Relative of victim of PKK
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
