Trade unionist Gonul Erden released from prison in Turkey

On 13 March, the trade unionist and longstanding friend of UNISON Gonul Erden, was released from prison in Turkey. Ms Erden (pictured above, centre) is one of eight leading members of SES, the health and social services union in Turkey, who are charged with terrorism for their trade union work. UNISON representatives attended the fourth trial date at the heavy penal court in Ankara on 13 March. The hearing focused on two things: Gonul and fellow trade unionist Selma Atabey’s requests for bail, and addressing false accusations that they had attended a terrorist training camp in Iraq. The state prosecutor claims Ms Erden attended a training camp in Iraq. The state’s case is based on the testimony of an anonymous witness, involved in a plea bargain, who has given evidence against at least 450 others. These testimonies have been proved to be false, including in a number of other court cases. Ms Erden and Ms Atabey’s defence team used cell phone data to conclusively prove that neither were anywhere near Iraq during the alleged period. Gonul spoke passionately from the dock, explaining that the entire case against her was due to her being a trade unionist, a woman, Kurdish and a health worker. She asked the judges how they could justify her 18 months in prison when an expert report proving her innocence had been available for eight months. “There has been an earthquake”, Ms Erden explained. “I am a nurse and should be helping those affected, not held between...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article working internationally Source Type: news