In a solemn proclamation, 13 diverse civil society organisations have united to denounce Turkey’s severe infringements on the right to peaceful protest. They highlight police brutality, potential torture, mass arbitrary detentions, and the ongoing persecution of human rights advocates that paints a vivid picture of a nation in turmoil.
The unrest in Turkey ignited on 19 March 2025, following the arrest of over 100 individuals, including the prominent Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu. The timing of these detentions, coinciding with İmamoğlu’s anticipated presidential bid, has sparked fears of politically charged charges of ‘corruption’ and ‘terrorism’ aimed at quelling dissent.
In the wake of these arrests, Turkish authorities instituted sweeping restrictions. They enforced blanket bans on gatherings in various cities, severely limited access to social media, and disrupted public transportation in Istanbul, all ostensibly to stymie dissent and thwart any protests.
Regardless of these oppressive measures, thousands of citizens have continued to protest across the nation since 19 March, demonstrating resilience. Despite the peaceful nature of these gatherings, tragic human rights violations have been reported, particularly in Saraçhane, Istanbul, where accounts of police brutality abound, including alarming reports of torture-like violence and harsh restraint methods, which echo the concerns raised by the UN Committee Against Torture.
Witnesses have recounted severe injuries among protesters, including head traumas and respiratory ailments due to tear gas, resulting in hospitalisation. The long-term psychological wounds caused by these events remain uncertain as the tumultuous situation evolves.
As of 27 March 2025, the Human Rights Association reported nearly 1,879 individuals within various societal roles have been arrested amidst these protests. Alarmingly, over 260 are now in pre-trial detentions, with hundreds facing judicial restrictions, simply for exercising their civil rights. Among those arrested, 20 were minors, highlighting the pervasive grip of repression.
The Progressive Lawyers Association has drawn attention to torturous experiences faced by detainees, particularly concerning female detainees subjected to violence and humiliating treatments. A chilling testimony details police misconduct toward a female detainee, revealing the harrowing environment within arrest facilities.
Beyond the protesters, journalists and legal representatives monitoring the events have become targets for state repression. At least 14 journalists were detained, with the state seemingly aiming to silence freedom of expression and information. This environment of intimidation has also affected lawyers defending the rights of the detained.
Amid such pervasive violence against protesters and a perceived disregard for legal representation, the international community is implored to pay heed to these gross violations of human rights. The undersigned organisations unitedly express solidarity with those valiantly standing for democracy and human rights and call upon Turkish authorities to halt this cycle of repression and restore civil liberties.
Over 130 civil society organisations have condemned Turkey’s violent suppression of peaceful protests and human rights defenders. Following the arrest of over 100 individuals on 19 March 2025, including the Mayor of Istanbul, authorities imposed sweeping restrictions to curb dissent. Despite the crackdown, protests have persisted, yet reports detail severe police brutality, arbitrary detentions, and targeting of journalists and lawyers. Calls for international oversight and immediate action to safeguard human rights are amplifying amidst escalating abuses.
In summary, the ongoing protests in Turkey highlight severe human rights violations, accelerated by politically motivated arrests and excessive police force. With alarming reports of torture and brutality against demonstrators, along with crackdowns on journalists and lawyers defending civil liberties, the situation calls for immediate international scrutiny and intervention. The united voice of numerous civil society organisations stresses the need for adherence to human rights, urging the Turkish government to respect peaceful assembly and ensure accountability for oppressive actions. The urgent plea for protection of human rights advocates underscores the importance of safeguarding democracy and the rule of law, pivotal for Turkey’s future.
Original Source: www.omct.org
