UNI Europa Delivers Strong Support Message for Democracy and Workers' Rights Struggle in Turkey

The conference highlighted that democratic rights in Turkey are under serious attack and the rule of law is being weakened, while also noting the increasing worker organizing and strike actions. At the 6th UNI Europa Conference, held in Belfast between March 25th and 27th, recent developments in Turkey were closely monitored. In the solidarity message released at the end of the conference, UNI Europa strongly condemned the oppressive atmosphere in Turkey and the practices targeting political activists, journalists, and trade union leaders, especially the elected Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu.

"Pressures on Political Opposition Have Reached an Alarming Level" 

UNI Europa's message stated that pressures on the political opposition have reached an alarming level, citing the annulment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma and his subsequent arrest on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist organization as examples. This situation was described as an attempt to prevent İmamoğlu's candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections.

"The Judiciary is Being Turned into a Weapon of Repression"

 The message emphasized that democratic rights in Turkey are under intense attack and that the judiciary is being used as a tool of this repression. It was also noted that the rule of law, as well as human and labor rights, are being increasingly weakened.

Workers Launch Organizing and Strike Actions Against Rising Cost of Living

UNI Europa stated that amidst the deepening cost of living crisis in Turkey, more and more workers are organizing and participating in strikes and work stoppages every day. However, it was also pointed out that trade union rights and freedoms in Turkey are increasingly under attack due to the prevailing climate of fear and the constant threat of retaliation, and that workers face significant legal and practical obstacles when exercising their rights to organize and bargain collectively.

Attention Drawn to the Case of KESK Member İsmet Aslan

The solidarity message highlighted the increasing risk of imprisonment faced by trade union leaders and members, drawing attention to the plight of İsmet Aslan, a KESK employee and member of UNI-affiliated Sosyal-İş Union. It was stated that Aslan was held in prison for over six months without a fair trial, and despite suffering from skin cancer, he was denied the necessary medication and medical care during his detention. UNI Europa called for an end to such treatment. The message also noted his eventual release.

UNI Europa's Call to the Turkish Government

Expressing full solidarity with the people and trade union movement of Turkey, UNI Europa made the following calls to the Turkish government:

• Immediately release all imprisoned trade unionists, as well as activists, journalists, politicians, and elected officials, including the Mayor of Istanbul.
• End the repression in the country and restore all democratic rights and freedoms.
• Uphold the rule of law in all areas.
• Remove all legal and practical obstacles to trade union rights and freedoms.
• Engage in constructive dialogue with all segments of society.

UNI Europa's strong message of solidarity is considered an important indication of international support for the struggle for democracy and workers' rights in Turkey.