The Turkish government has launched a mass anti-democratic crackdown against the opposition with at least 282 people seized between 14 and 18 February.
Many others are expected to be arrested in the next few days. British trade unionists and supporters of democracy and civil liberties need to act now to raise a storm of protest against the Turkish government.
Repression has been ratcheted up in recent months but the latest wave of arrests is a major escalation as president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan seeks to find ways to avoid any restraints on his rule or democratic accountability.
The government says those arrested in the last few days are linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). But this is a lie.
Fake terror accusations are a common tactic to divide and jail opposition forces.
Many have no connection at all with the PKK. They are opposition party members, trade unionists, socialists, local elected mayors, artists and journalists.
Solidarity with the People of Turkey demands that all those arrested are released immediately. Charges are dropped and the regime of repression ends.
One example of those facing the government crackdown is Mehmet Türkmen, chair of the Textile, Weaving and Leather Workers’ Union (BİRTEK-SEN).
Following a ban on demonstrations against low wages in the Başpınar Organized Industrial Zone, Türkmen, who was detained on 14 February and later released, was taken into custody again on 17 February. He is believed to be facing charges of “violating the freedom to work” and “inciting crime”. In reality he has helped workers fight gross oppression and exploitation.
In Başpınar around 3,000 workers across 20 factories have been demanding wage increases.
Türkmen’s arrest is a sharp example of the wider assault on trade union and protest rights.
We stand in solidarity with Mehmet Türkmen, BİRTEK-SEN and all those targeted by the corporations and the government.
We say Turkish trade unionists, socialists and democrats are not alone
We urge all trade unionists, democrats and supporters of civil rights to immediately:
● Join a protest at the Turkish embassy in London, Thursday 20 February, 2pm, 43 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8PA
● Send a message of solidarity to birlesiktekstilsendikasi@gmail.com and tag @birlesiktekstil in social media posts
● Protest to the Turkish ambassador in Britain embassy.london@mfa.gov.tr
● Urge your trade union in Britain to take up this issue urgently
