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UNI Global Union has called for the immediate release of a trade union leader arrested in bizarre circumstances in Turkey.

Arzu Çerkezoğlu, General Secretary of the DISK trade union, was detained at Istanbul airport as she attempted to travel to Germany to visit a relative in hospital. Police say Çerkezoğlu was arrested for allegedly having insulted Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a speech she made last year.

The ETUC, ITUC and European Public Services Union are demanding her immediate release and the withdrawal of the charges against her. 

UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings said, “UNI Global Union adds its voice to the growing number of organisations worldwide demanding the immediate release of Arzu Çerkezoğlu who is the latest victim of a worrying closure of the democratic space in Turkey.”

“Trade union rights, like freedom of speech, are non-negotiable in any modern democracy.”

Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said “Thousands of people, including journalists, trade unionists, public figures, even sportspeople now face legal attacks for insulting President Erdogan.  The real insult however is to common sense and to fundamental freedoms, with the President’s dictatorial approach threatening the very foundations of democracy.”

ETUC General Secretary Luca Visentini said “The EU must open its eyes and see is really happening in Turkey, instead of simply paying Mr Erdogan’s government to escape Europe’s own international obligations for asylum seekers and refugees. Respect for democratic, social and trade union rights are part of European the social model and any country seeking accession to the EU must respect these fundamental values. The EU must never allow itself to be blackmailed by the Turkish government or indeed any other government.”