The people of Turkey deserve the ability to exercise their human rights and basic freedoms without fear of retribution. The right to workout the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association is enshrined in Turkey’s constitution, its international legislation obligations, and its OSCE obligations. We urge the government to cease prosecutions under criminal “insult” laws, and to respect the rights and freedoms of all Turkish people, including by ensuring an open environment for public issue.
The United States will be deeply troubled and let down by a Turkish court’s judgement against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, sentencing him to two years and seven several weeks in prison and banning him from political exercise. His conviction is certainly inconsistent with respect intended for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of legislation. We remain gravely concerned by the continued judicial harassment of civil society, media, political and company leaders in Turkey, including through prolonged pretrial detention, overly broad claims of support for terrorism, plus criminal insult cases.
