THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

      BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21218

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

17 March 1988

ORIGINAL LETTERS SENT TO THE PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER OF TURKEY

Your Excellency:

  I am writing to you in connection with the situation of Dr. Nihat Sargin,
a surgeon and chest specialist who, I gather, has been convicted to a 36-year
sentence in prison.  I was particularly impressed with the fact that Amnesty
International has declared Dr. Sargin a "prisoner of conscience," and I gather
that the evidence of torture, including electric shocks and hanging have been
discounted by the prosecutor in charge of his case.  I would like to urge you
to consider the release of Dr. Sargin on the grounds that he is in prison solely
for the non-violent expression of his political beliefs.  I hope that you will
be able to use the power of your office to help insure the release of this useful
and important member of your society.

Sincerely yours,

JzjY a-w
Chris ian B. A inse
Professor of Bfology
(Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 1972)

cc: Turkish Medical Association
  U.S. Department of State
  Ambassador Dr. Sukru Elekdag