EI strongly condemns the police raids that have targeted members and leaders of the public sector confederation, KESK, early in the morning on Tuesday, 19 February.
This new attack against the Turkish trade union movement, carried out by the authorities in 29 cities across the country, resulted in the arrest of at least 140 unionists, including many teachers from EI affiliate Egitim Sen, university researchers, and students.
A number of houses were raided on Tuesday morning, following police arrest warrants targeting 167 people for alleged links with terrorist organisations.
History of crackdowns on trade unionists
This latest action is not the first time that the Turkish authorities have abused anti-terrorism laws to crack down on trade unionists. In February 2012, 15 female union leaders were dragged from their beds and taken into custody. In June 2012, 71 union leaders and members were arrested at their homes and offices. Many of them remain in detention awaiting trial.
EI: Stop labelling trade unionists as terrorists EI calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested union members. And it urges the authorities to stop harassing and labeling trade unionists as terrorists. Turkey must guarantee all its citizens the right to freedoms of speech and association; and allow trade unions to play their role in a climate free from violence, pressure, or threats of any kind.
