In Turkey’s southern city of Antep, tensions continue to rise as labor protests face government crackdowns. Following the Antep Governor’s ban on demonstrations against low wages in the Başpınar Organized Industrial Zone, BİRTEK-SEN General Secretary Mehmet Türkmen, who was detained on February 14 and later released, was taken into custody again today at the union headquarters. Reports indicate that Türkmen was detained on charges of “violating the freedom to work” and “inciting crime” at the prosecutor’s instruction.
Repeated Detentions Spark Outrage
Last Friday, Türkmen was first detained upon leaving his home after a complaint from the employer of Şireci Textile. Today, while holding a meeting with workers at the union office, he was once again taken into custody. Before being detained, Türkmen shared a message on social media, saying:
“I am being detained once again at the request of the bosses. They are arresting me from the doors of the union while I am meeting with workers. I will be back! The struggle continues!”
Union Condemns the Crackdown
BİRTEK-SEN released a statement condemning the detentions and intimidation tactics, saying:
“If you think you can break us with arrests and threats, you are mistaken! Despite all repression and intimidation, we call on all workers, especially those in Başpınar, to unite under our union. We will teach you that unionizing is a fundamental right!”
Authorities Question Social Media Activity
During his interrogation at the Gaziantep Police Department, Türkmen was questioned about his social media posts.
The crackdown comes amid ongoing resistance in Başpınar, where approximately 3,000 workers across 20 factories have been demanding wage increases.
This latest detention highlights growing tensions between labor movements and authorities, as workers continue their fight for fair wages despite government and employer opposition.
