Campaigners protested in Istanbul yesterday following the detention of trade union organiser Başaran Aksu, escalating concerns over the targeting of labour activists and freedom of expression in Turkey.
Aksu, Organisation Coordinator for the workers’ network Umut-Sen, was arrested on 9 April on charges of “spreading misleading information” and “inciting hatred and hostility.” The case mirrors the prosecution of other activists, including Mehmet Türkmen, and reflects a wider pattern of repression.
The protest took place outside Limak Holding’s headquarters at Zorlu Center in Beşiktaş. Organisers have directly linked the demonstration to the company, accusing it of playing a role in both environmental destruction in Akbelen and the legal pressure faced by activists.
Following his arrest, Aksu criticised the state of the judiciary, stating:
“This is the reality of the justice system in Turkey. It acts in line with the interests of holding companies. We will continue to challenge them.”
The case against Aksu also centres on his commentary regarding Limak Holding, particularly in relation to developments in the Akbelen region, where environmental protests have been ongoing.
Trade unions protested in front of Limak Holding against the arrest of Başaran Aksu, the Umut Sen Organisation Coordinator, and Esra Işık, who has been fighting to protect her land in Akbelen.
The joint statement was issued by the following unions: Bağımsız Emek Sendikası, Bağımsız Maden-İş, DGD Sen, Dev Tekstil-İş, Enerji Sen, İnşaat-İş, Kataş Sen, Limter-İş, Nakliyat-İş, OTİS, Özel Sektör Öğretmenleri Sendikası, Tüm Sağlık-İş, Tarım Sen, PTT Sen, Yapı Yol-İş, and TOMİS.
In their statement, the unions warned those in power that they are building up anger and strength against environmental destruction and workplace deaths, declaring that they will not submit to the exploitative system.
The similarities between Aksu’s case and that of other journalists and trade unionists like Mehmet Türkmen underline the urgent need for international attention and solidarity.
SPOT joins calls for the immediate release of all detained activists and an end to the criminalisation of trade union organising and environmental resistance.
