In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of victims and human rights advocates from different European countries gathered in Strasbourg to protest against the unlawful arrests and human rights violations in Turkey. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and its alleged indifference towards the injustices faced by members of the Hizmet Movement. A letter highlighting these concerns was delivered to the authorities at the ECHR.
Among those participating in the rally were former NBA star and human rights activist Enes Kanter, alongside human rights advocate Melek Çetinkaya, relatives of individuals imprisoned in Turkey, and countless victims who were forced to seek refuge in Europe due to the prevalent violations of their rights.
The event, which had been announced days in advance, brought together thousands of people in front of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights building. Chanting slogans of “justice and freedom” with fervor, the demonstrators also criticized the ECHR for its perceived insensitivity towards the unjust practices observed in Turkish trials. The ECHR had recently issued a decision regarding Hidayet Karaca after an excruciatingly long wait of eight years, with the ruling being announced today.
The participants of the demonstration demanded fair and transparent trials in Turkey, where the rule of law and human rights are respected. They voiced their discontent with the ECHR’s delayed response to the ongoing human rights violations and urged the court to take a stronger stance on protecting the rights of all individuals, including members of the Hizmet Movement.
As the protest unfolded, impassioned speeches resonated through the crowd, highlighting stories of injustice and calling for immediate action to rectify the human rights situation in Turkey. The demonstrators emphasized that it was time for the ECHR and the international community to address these grave concerns and put an end to the systematic violations occurring in Turkey.
The peaceful gathering in Strasbourg served as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those fighting for justice and human rights. While the immediate impact of the protest remains to be seen, it undeniably represented a powerful plea for accountability and an urgent call to safeguard fundamental rights for all individuals affected by the ongoing crisis in Turkey.
