Police have detained two leaders of Amnesty International within the space of a month. These arrests are just the latest in an escalating human rights crisis.Thousands, including political activists, lawyers, journalists and others critical of government policy in Turkey are facing criminal prosecutions on trumped up terrorism charges.
Taner Kiliç, the Chair of Amnesty International Turkey, was taken into police custody on June 6 along with 22 other lawyers and charged three days later. Idil Eser, Amnesty Turkey’s Director, was arrested on July 5 along with two trainers and seven other human rights defenders while attending a workshop in Istanbul. The Istanbul 10 have been charged with ‘assisting a terrorist organization.’ 6, including Idil, continue to be detained and 4 have been released on bail. The accusations against Taner, Idil, and the others are ridiculous and baseless. The Turkish authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all of the detainees.
We need you to take action for human rights defenders in Turkey.
1. TAKE ACTION NOW
Sign and share our action demanding the release of Idil Eser, Taner Kiliç, and all other detainees.
>>> SIGN NOW
2. GATHER SIGNATURES ON OUR PETITION
Participating in a community event or festival in your community this summer? Gathering with your friends and family? Collect signatures on our petition calling for the release of all the detainees.
>>> Download the petition here
3. TWEET YOUR SUPPORT
Active on Twitter? Join Amnesty in calling for Turkey to #FreeRightsDefenders
Our Turkey Director + 5 others are being held in custody on baseless accusations. We won't stop until they're free: https://t.co/ONcB8Pmbl3 pic.twitter.com/QEvuKkneFP
— AmnestyCanada (@AmnestyNow) July 21, 2017
>>> Click to tweet or write your own!
4. PARTICIPATE IN OUR PHOTO ACTION
Show your solidarity with human rights defenders in Turkey through our photo action.
- Make a sign with the message #FreeRightsDefenders or include your own solidarity message
- If you have an Amnesty International #WeDefend sign, use it in your photo
- Post your photo on social media using the hashtag #FreeRightsDefenders
- Tag Amnesty in your post (@AmnestyNow on Twitter, @amnestycanada on Instagram)
- If you don't use social media, email your photo to ontario@amnesty.ca
5. TAKE ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS EVERYWHERE
Human rights defenders are under attack around the world. Amnesty has launched a global campaign to defend the defenders.
Interested in learning more and getting involved with the campaign? Visit www.amnesty.ca/wedefend
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