Turkey: TİP leader criticizes detention of members after NATO summit protest

Erkan Baş, the chairman of the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP), has strongly condemned the ongoing detention of 17 TİP members who were arrested during a protest against the NATO summit. The members have been held for three days, sparking outrage from the party leadership.

In a statement on social media, Baş accused the government of continuing its "fury" against revolutionaries and socialists who exposed the "imperialist plans" discussed at the summit. He highlighted that dozens of comrades and citizens remain in detention or prison following the event. "We said that no result would emerge in favor of the workers from this summit, and that is how it turned out," Baş stated, questioning when the "oppression," which he argued serves no purpose other than pleasing "masters," will end.

Baş directly challenged the authorities, demanding their release. "If you want to turn Turkey into an open-air prison forever, let us know. Otherwise, release our friends!" he declared. The TİP leader's remarks underscore a sharp political divide and highlight ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of assembly and expression in Turkey, particularly in the context of international summits.

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If you want to turn Turkey into an open-air prison forever, let us know. Otherwise, release our friends!