ITUC Denounces Arrest of Trade Union Leader in Turkey

Brussels, 6 February 2018 (ITUC OnLine): In Ankara, this morning, Turkish anti-terror police raided the house of Ms Elif Cuhadar, executive committee member of the Turkish trade union KESK, and arrested her. The charges are related to her having participated in a public panel discussion in İzmir four years ago. She was taken into custody in Ankara and will be transferred to İzmir. Several other people who were present at the event in İzmir in 2014 were also arrested. Elif is a member of the ITUC Human and Trade Union Rights Committee and participated in a meeting in Brussels on 28 November 2017 to denounce anti-labour policies in Turkey.

"This arrest is yet another demonstration of the oppressive political climate in Turkey. The government is clearly determined to silence any voice criticising government policy. The Turkish labour movement, however, will not be silenced and will continue to criticise policies that are not in the interest of workers. The global movement will stand with them in solidarity," Said Sharan Burrow.

To read the letter from the ITUC to the Labour Minister: https://www.ituc-csi.org/demand-for-release-of-elif-cuhadar

The ITUC represents 202 million members of 331 affiliates in 163 countries and territories.
Follow us on the web: http://www.ituc-csi.org and http://www.youtube.com/ITUCCSI

© Scoop Media