Türkiye is facing widespread human rights violations related to its crackdown on peaceful protests following the detention of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Hundreds, mostly students, are being prosecuted in rushed, mass trials for participating in demonstrations, often without evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Charges include attending unauthorized protests, incitement based on social media posts, and carrying weapons, though many covered their faces to protect against police pepper spray. Journalists reporting on protests are also targeted. Police used excessive force, including pepper spray and physical abuse, during protests and arrests, with reports of verbal, physical, and sexual harassment of detainees. Pretrial detentions, house arrests, and travel bans are widespread. Despite calls from Human Rights Watch and the European Court of Human Rights to respect freedom of assembly and reform restrictive laws, Türkiye continues to suppress peaceful dissent, undermining democratic rights and the rule of law.
Pray for freedom of speech and expression in Türkiye. Pray for the immediate release of all imprisoned protestors in Türkiye. Pray for them to have access to their basic needs and rights in prison (The Holy Bible, Judges 2:18).
Pray for the end of arbitrary detentions and human rights violations in Türkiye. Pray for justice to prevail for the oppressed. Pray for divine protection for all the vulnerable people suffering from rights abuses, detention, and displacement (The Holy Bible, Psalm 31:2).
News Source: Human Rights Watch
Image Source: Canva
