A protest took place outside the Turkish Embassy in London, organized by the Solidarity with the People of Turkey (SPOT) campaign. The demonstration, attended by numerous trade unionists and organization representatives, called for the immediate release of BİRTEK-SEN General President Mehmet Türkmen and others who have been unlawfully detained.
Unions and Organisations Stand in Solidarity
The Democratic Power Union and the Britain Alevi Federation also joined the demonstration, expressing their commitment to monitoring the situation closely. SPOT declared that democratic institutions and trade unions in the UK would continue public campaigns and protests until all detainees are released.
“They Were Afraid of a Letter”
Louise Regan, SPOT Chair and National Executive Member of the National Education Union (NEU), attempted to deliver two letters to embassy officials, addressing concerns over the increasing oppression and arrests in Turkey. However, after being kept waiting at the entrance, she was informed that the embassy refused to accept the letters. Speaking to the crowd, Regan criticized the embassy’s decision, saying, “They were afraid of a letter.”
Regan emphasized that the NEU has a long and proud history of supporting SPOT and standing in solidarity with the people of Turkey. She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to raising awareness of the situation and demanding the release of the detainees.
“We are here not just to support Mehmet Türkmen, but also to stand with all those unjustly arrested in recent days. Hundreds of people have been detained as part of an ongoing anti-democratic crackdown, particularly targeting the trade union movement.”
She highlighted how workers in Turkey have been facing relentless attacks on their rights and freedoms for years, with unions and their members being systematically persecuted under fabricated charges.
“Mehmet Türkmen Belongs with the Workers, Not in Prison”
Among the prominent voices at the protest was Stephen Russell, International Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which represents nearly six million workers in the UK. Russell stressed the importance of defending independent trade unionists against exploitative forces:
“We stand with Mehmet Türkmen and BİRTEK-SEN, just as we have previously stood in solidarity with DİSK and KESK.”
Trade unionists present at the protest echoed a unified message:
“Mehmet Türkmen is a trade unionist. His place is not in prison—it is with his members and fellow workers.”
Mark Beacon, International Secretary of UNISON, the UK’s largest union with 1.5 million members, also spoke at the demonstration. He carried a letter from UNISON General Secretary Christina McAnea demanding Türkmen’s release. The embassy, however, refused to accept it, prompting Becan to announce that the letter would be sent via post.
Beacon issued a strong warning to the Turkish government:
“UNISON stands with Mehmet Türkmen and the BİRTEK-SEN members fighting for better wages and working conditions. We will not step back from this solidarity. We demand that the Turkish government immediately release Mehmet Türkmen—his place is with the workers, fighting for fair pay. Trade unionism is not a crime.”
He also condemned the widespread arrests and government crackdowns, stating:
“Hundreds of people have been detained, municipalities have been taken over by appointed trustees, and anyone who resists is arrested. You cannot silence those fighting for democracy.”
“This Regime Cannot Be Trusted”
Charlie Kimber, editor of Socialist Worker, highlighted the growing severity of repression in Turkey:
“The significance of this protest becomes clearer by the hour. The Erdoğan regime’s policies of torture, lies, and imprisonment have led to the arrest of hundreds in just 24 hours. Reports suggest that 50,000 people have been detained in the past six months.”
Kimber pointed out the contradiction in Erdoğan’s claims—on one hand, hinting at the potential release of Abdullah Öcalan, and on the other, cracking down on those fighting for democracy, justice, and civil rights.
“This regime cannot be trusted. That is why we, alongside the British trade union movement, must stand against it.”
He welcomed the TUC’s official statement demanding the release of detainees, and he emphasized that all unjustly imprisoned individuals in Turkey must be freed.
“This is a Crackdown on Workers’ Rights”
Rob Williams, Chair of the National Shop Stewards Network, also condemned the mass detentions and attacks on workers’ rights.
“This is not just an attack on Mehmet Türkmen or BİRTEK-SEN—it is an attack on all workers, unions, and those fighting for justice and democratic rights in Turkey.”
Williams linked these authoritarian tactics to broader global trends:
“We are living in an era of authoritarian leaders—like Trump and Erdoğan. But let’s be clear: these actions do not show strength; they show fear. These leaders fear the growing movements of workers, youth, and those fighting for a better future.”
The Call for International Solidarity
The protest outside the Turkish Embassy in London demonstrated the powerful solidarity of trade unions and activists worldwide. As the crackdown in Turkey continues, the demand remains clear:
“Release Mehmet Türkmen and all those unjustly detained. Trade unionism is not a crime.”
