On Tuesday, a Turkish court ordered the release of Nimet Tanrıkulu, a prominent human rights advocate, after she had spent 94 days in pretrial detention on terrorism-related charges. Tanrıkulu was swept up during a police crackdown in late November, arrested at her İstanbul home, and subsequently detained at the Ankara Police Department’s counterterrorism branch before being moved to Sincan Prison.
The İstanbul 24th High Criminal Court held Tanrıkulu’s trial hearing and chose to release her despite the prosecutor’s opposition. She faces serious accusations related to her alleged membership in the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group classified as terrorist by both Turkey and its Western allies.
During her court appearance, she firmly rejected the allegations, emphasising her 40 years of commitment to human rights and asserting that the trial aims to undermine those advocating for human rights. She stated, “I am a human rights defender and a feminist. I carry out my human rights work openly and transparently.”
Tanrıkulu’s release aligns with evolving dynamics regarding the PKK, as its leader, Abdullah Öcalan, recently urged disbandment following peace talks endorsed by President Erdoğan, casting a hopeful light over the longstanding conflict.
As a founding member of the Human Rights Association in Diyarbakır, Tanrıkulu’s role in the human rights sector has been significant over the years, advocating for victims of enforced disappearances through collaborations with groups such as the Saturday Mothers.
In December, Amnesty International advocated for her release, expressing concerns about the misuse of counterterrorism investigations as a tactic to silence human rights defenders. Their statement also highlighted Tanrıkulu’s prior experiences of facing similarly unfounded investigations.
Nimet Tanrıkulu, a renowned human rights defender, has been released after 94 days in pretrial detention related to terrorism charges. The court’s decision came despite prosecution’s objections during her trial on membership allegations with the PKK. Tanrıkulu has been a relentless advocate for human rights for over 40 years. Her release coincides with efforts towards peace in Turkey concerning the PKK and highlights the ongoing struggle faced by human rights defenders in the country.
The release of Nimet Tanrıkulu marks a critical victory for human rights advocacy in Turkey, indicating progress amidst turbulent political waters. Despite being charged with serious allegations, her testimony and commitments highlight the resilience within the human rights movement, alongside increasing calls for peace in a long-standing conflict. As she resumes her vital work, the implications of her release signal both hope and ongoing challenges in Turkey’s struggle for human rights.
Original Source: www.turkishminute.com
