The repression of political opponents in Türkiye has reached an unprecedented level, with the invalidation of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s diploma — aimed at preventing him from running in the next presidential race — and his detention on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist group.
As democratic rights come under severe attack, the judicial system is being weaponised in these crackdowns, further undermining the rule of law, as well as human and labor rights.
Amidst a worsening cost-of-living crisis, more and more workers are organizing and taking industrial action. However, in an environment of fear and the constant threat of retaliation, trade union rights and freedoms in Türkiye are increasingly under attack, facing significant legal and practical barriers to organising and collective bargaining.
Trade union leaders and members are also at growing risk of imprisonment. Among them, İsmet Aslan, an employee of KESK and a member of UNI affiliated Sosyal-İş Union, who has been imprisoned for over six months without a fair trial, but fortunately now has been released. Aslan, who suffers from skin cancer, had been denied essential medication and medical care.
This must end.
Standing in full solidarity with the people of Türkiye and the trade union movement, UNI Europa calls on the Turkish government to:
- Immediately release all imprisoned trade unionists, as well as activists, journalists, politicians, and elected officials, including the mayor of Istanbul.
- End the crackdowns and restore all democratic rights and freedoms.
- Remove all barriers to trade union rights and freedoms.
- Engage in constructive dialogue with all sectors of society.
This statement was adopted by over 600 union leaders at UNI Europa’s 6th Conference in Belfast on 27 March 2025.