A Turkish court has ordered the release of Nimet Tanrıkulu, a renowned human rights activist, who was imprisoned for 94 days on terrorism-related charges. Her detention stemmed from a police operation in late November, where she was arrested at her home in Istanbul, later transferred to Ankara. Tanrıkulu faced serious allegations linked to the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK), classified as a terrorist organization in Turkey and abroad.
During her first trial hearing, the İstanbul 24th High Criminal Court opted for her release, despite the prosecutor’s opposition. Supporters, including human rights organisations and EU representatives, filled the courtroom. Tanrıkulu, in her defence, vehemently denied the accusations, asserting her lifelong commitment to human rights work and labelling her trial an effort to undermine activists.
In her fervent plea, she articulated, “I am a human rights defender and a feminist… I find it valuable,” as she invoked the ongoing peace process between Turkey and the PKK, especially following a significant call from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan to end hostilities.
Tanrıkulu, a key figure in civil rights advocacy, co-founded the Human Rights Association in Diyarbakır and has been integral in efforts to seek justice for victims of enforced disappearances. Amnesty International has spotlighted her case, expressing deep concern and urging authorities to reconsider her detention, accusing them of exploiting terrorism laws to suppress human rights activists.
This moment of release shines a glimmer of hope amidst the long-standing conflict, coinciding with Öcalan’s recent peace overture, amidst evolving political tides in Turkey.
Nimet Tanrıkulu, a prominent Turkish human rights activist, was released from 94 days of pretrial detention on terrorism charges. Her trial sparked attention from human rights organisations and the EU. Despite facing allegations linked to the PKK, she denied all charges in court. Her release aligns with ongoing peace efforts between Turkey and the PKK, and highlights the misuse of counterterrorism laws against activists.
The release of Nimet Tanrıkulu highlights significant challenges faced by human rights defenders in Turkey. Detained under contentious charges linked to terrorism, her case encapsulates the troubling misuse of legal mechanisms to target activists. Her freedom coincides with emerging peace dialogues, underlining a pivotal transition in Turkey’s complex political landscape. Advocacy groups like Amnesty International continue to call for protection for human rights defenders against such state aggression.
Original Source: stockholmcf.org
