Turkish trade unionists arrested – EPSU asks for their immediate release

SES Turkey Trade Unionists arrested May 2021

(28 May 2021) In the early morning hours of 25 May, 8 trade union leaders of the Turkish Health and social service workers union SES were arrested in their homes. The charges are not known at the time of writing as lawyers had no access yet to the files. The union believes the arrests are related to the critical position it has taken over the handling of the pandemic by the Turkish government. Close to 45.000 people have died including over 400 health workers. Lockdowns have left many workers without income. EPSU has asked the government to release our comrades immediately.

For more information

Background note from SES

Joint press release of SES, Devrim Saglik-Is (EPSU affiliate), Turkish Medical Association, Turkish Dental Association and All Radiology Technicians and Technicians Associationdemanding the release

Media reports on the arrests here and here and on the protests in Turkey

A recent report of the European Parliament has been very critical of the way the Turkish government deals with outspoken voices in the media and with opposition parties. 

 

Türkiye