Twenty-four detained in Antalya raids targeting unions, leftist parties

A vigil to commemorate the three revolutionaries executed in 1972. (Photo: Evrensel)

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In a series of morning raids in Antalya, 24 individuals, members of various unions and leftist parties, were taken into custody.

Among the organizations whose members were detained are DiSK Emekli-Sen (Pensioners' Union) and Eğitim-Sen (Teachers' Union), as well as People's Houses (Halkevleri) and political parties such as the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP), Labor Party (EMEP), and Left (SOL) Party.

Kadriye Tuğcu, head of Antalya Halkevi, told bianet that the raids were conducted under the pretext of commemorating the revolutionaries executed on May 6, 1972, by the Antalya Labor and Democracy Forces.

Lawyer Furkan Açıkgöz said there are four separate investigations, and those detained have been accused of various charges, including carrying the flag of the communist revolutionary Mahir Çayan, who was killed in 1972, and spreading "terrorist propaganda."

Açıkgöz also noted that one of his clients, who gave a statement at the police headquarters, was released without being referred to court.

In response to the raids, the TİP Antalya Provincial Organization stated on social media, "It should be known that these pressures will not deter us. Release our comrades immediately."

Antalya Halkevleri also shared a post, saying, "Down with fascism. Release the detainees."

Nurettin Sönmez, chair of Eğitim Sen Antalya Branch, said several members of the union were among the detained, including an executive in Antalya. "While there is the opportunity to easily reach and consult with them, we condemn the detention of our friends in this way and demand their immediate release," he added.

On May 6, the Antalya Labor and Democracy Forces held a vigil in Attalos Square to commemorate the death anniversaries of Deniz Gezmiş, Yusuf Arslan, and Hüseyin İnan, leaders of the revolutionary youth movement. (VC/VK)