6 European Activists Detained in Turkey While Investigating Prison Conditions

6 European Activists Detained in Turkey While Investigating Prison Conditions

Turkey has detained six European activists who arrived to investigate prison conditions for political detainees. The activists, from Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, and Russia, were arrested in Istanbul after meeting with the Office of People’s Rights (HHB), a legal collective often targeted by Ankara due to suspected ties with the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front, designated as a 'terror group' by Turkey, Belgium, and the US. Their lawyer, Naim Eminoglu, confirmed their passports were confiscated and they are set to be deported.

Eminoglu emphasized that the HHB has been defending individuals seen as political opponents but is frequently criticized for its alleged connections to left-wing groups. The activists were initially taken to the migration directorate without access to legal representation before being moved to Istanbul airport for deportation.