Trade unionists on trial in Turkey

Trade Union representatives outside the court of Justice in Sapanca, North West Turkey.   Arzu Çerkezoğlu’s case is one of many taking place against progressive trade unionists in Turkey at the moment. The erosion of democracy, rights and the rule of law in the country means that defending workers’ rights comes with extraordinary risks, so UNISON’s solidarity as an international court witness is essential. Arzu Çerkezoğlu is a medical doctor and president of both the Turkish trade union federation DISK and Dev Sağlık-İş – the Progressive Union of Health Workers. Arzu has been charged with “provoking people to be rancorous and hostile” under article 216/1 of the penal code, following comments she made about reclaiming the streets at a CHP – or social democratic party–  public debate in 2016. At the trial, the prosecution also added “insulting the president” to the charges against her. If found guilty, Arzu could face a prison sentence of up to seven years for the combined charges. And even if she is found not guilty on this occasion, as a courageous defender of workers’ and human rights, who is closely monitored by the government, this isn’t the first or the last time she will appear in court, simply for defending workers. Around 100 observers attended the hearing, outnumbered only by the heavy police presence inside and outside the court. They included representatives of DISK, public sector union confederation KESK, the Union of Pensioner...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article international solidarity Source Type: news