Civil society organisations and political parties gathered together to protest the attacks in Syria in various Southeastern cities of Türkiye. However, security forces intervened in these public gatherings and marches. There are several media reports that show these interventions.
It was observed that security officers used disproportionate force while intervening in marches and protests. As a result of these interventions, citizens, including our branch co-chairs, members, bar association presidents, municipal co-mayors, and politicians, were detained by security forces.
Human Rights Association (İHD) does not accept the interventions in these peaceful demonstrations nor the detention practices that amount to torture and ill-treatment. International human rights instruments and established legal practices guarantee freedoms of assembly, expression, and association for everyone. In this respect, it is necessary to remember that Article 34 of the Constitution also clearly states, ‘Everyone has the right to hold unarmed and peaceful meetings and demonstration marches without prior permission.’
Thus, preventing citizens from exercising their right to peaceful demonstrations and marches arbitrarily and unlawfully violates universal legal norms and principles.
İHD calls on the public authorities to immediately release citizens who were arrested by security officers during marches in the Southeastern region of Türkiye. Similarly, we call on public authorities to stop threatening and restricting peaceful demonstrations, which is a form of freedom of expression.
Freedom of expression is a prerequisite of negotiations and peace.
Human Rights Association