Urgent Action Call from Amnesty International for Human Rights Defenders
The release of human rights defenders, including KAOS GL executives and journalist Tuğba Tekerek, is being demanded.
Amnesty International has launched an international petition campaign calling for the immediate release of at least 23 LGBTI+ human rights defenders who were arrested during operations across Turkey.
Details of the Urgent Action Campaign
Amnesty International called for the release of at least 23 LGBTI+ human rights defenders, including members of the executive and supervisory boards of KAOS GL and journalist Tuğba Tekerek. A petition addressed to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has been opened for signatures worldwide.
Charges and Rights Violations
The petition stated that the individuals in question were arrested on charges of obscenity and violating the Law on Associations. Pointing out that the process was discriminatory and punitive, it was alleged that they faced ill-treatment, strip searches, and issues in accessing healthcare services during their detention.
Background of the Operation and Detentions
Numerous people had been detained in police raids carried out on the twelfth day of the twelfth month. As a result of operations named 'Family is Safe', over a hundred people were detained, 44 of whom were recorded as human rights defenders.
Access Restrictions and Protests
During the operations, access bans were imposed on several social media accounts and a news website. During the protest demonstrations held, numerous people in three major cities were detained and later released in the ensuing process.