Ali Kaya
GAZIANTEP, Turkey — A seven-member international delegation of trade unionists from Germany and the United Kingdom attended court proceedings in Gaziantep as observers in solidarity with Mehmet Türkmen, President of BİRTEK-SEN, and in support of trade union rights and democratic freedoms.
The delegation, attending as international observers, expressed concern over pressure on trade union organizing and violations of workers’ democratic rights while closely monitoring the legal proceedings.
Speaking on behalf of the international trade union solidarity network in Cologne, Ali Çiçek said:
“Capital moves and organizes on a global scale. The working class must also organize internationally and strengthen itself in order to defend its interests. International solidarity is vital in defending workers’ rights.”
Paul Kershaw, representing the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) from London, said:
“Today was an important day for democratic workers’ rights. We cannot accept that human rights end at factory gates. We will continue to strengthen international solidarity, monitor anti-democratic and anti-worker practices, and bring them to public attention.”
The international delegation emphasized that their presence in Gaziantep was a clear expression of solidarity with Mehmet Türkmen, BİRTEK-SEN, and all workers defending their fundamental rights.
