Ensar Nur/TR724
Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) are urging Turkey to release Melek Gelir, a former teacher imprisoned on terrorism charges, following the death of her 15-year-old daughter, Sümeyra Gelir.
Sümeyra, who suffered from epilepsy, died while caring for her two younger brothers. Her mother was imprisoned for working at schools linked to the Gülen movement, which the Turkish government considers a terrorist organization. European lawmakers say the charges are baseless and that the separation directly contributed to the teen’s death.
British MP Sir Edward Leigh said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy, blaming the Turkish government for refusing to relocate Melek Gelir to a prison closer to her daughter. “This is a clear human rights violation,” Leigh said. “The Turkish government must respect human rights.”
Spanish MP Laura Castel called the situation “a tragedy for anyone who believes children should not die in pain.” She condemned Melek Gelir’s imprisonment as “unlawful” and “based on absurd accusations,” pledging to follow the case as a parliamentarian and expressing sympathy “as a mother.”
Swedish MP Markus Wiechel said he was shocked by the story, calling it “deeply unjust.” He said the eldest daughter was forced to take on a parental role during her mother’s imprisonment and died as a result. “As a father, this is heartbreaking,” Wiechel said. “It is unacceptable for the mother to spend another two years in prison.”
Cypriot MP Constantinos Efstathiou said Sümeyra’s death underscores the human cost of political repression. “This reminds us that the victims of government crackdowns are real people,” he said, voicing concern over arbitrary detentions in Turkey.
San Marino MP Gerardo Giovagnoli echoed calls for Gelir’s release. “This is about basic humanity,” he said. “Politics should never interfere with a person’s right to safety and family. Releasing this mother would harm no one.”
The lawmakers’ calls follow growing international concern over Turkey’s post-coup crackdown, which has led to the detention of thousands of teachers, journalists, and civil servants accused of ties to the Gülen movement.
