Author Archives: heissenstat

A joint letter on the prosecution of rights defenders is currently being circulated around Congress.  Are you based in the United States?  Follow this link to learn how you can lend your support.  A minute of your time now can make … Continue reading →

GENEVA (13 November 2017) – A group of United Nations experts* has condemned the use of terrorism charges against human rights defenders and people legitimately expressing dissent in Turkey. The experts highlighted a number of cases of concern, including the … Continue reading →

According to the White House, in today’s meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, Vice President Mike Pence expressed deep concern over the arrests of members of civil society in Turkey, urging transparency and due process in their cases. This is the … Continue reading →

Amnesty International USA’s Turkey Coordination Group (also known as Cogroup) seeks a new volunteer leader to join our team of skilled, dedicated Turkey Country Specialists.  The Turkey Cogroup works closely with AI staff and others to advance human rights in Turkey. … Continue reading →

Following a decision by a court in Istanbul to conditionally release eight human rights defenders while their trial continues, Salil Shetty, Amnesty International’s Secretary General said: Today, finally, we celebrate that our friends and colleagues can go back with their … Continue reading →

Amnesty International has responded to news today that a court has accepted the indictment of eleven Turkish rights defenders, including Amnesty-Turkey’s Director and Chair. “This indictment fails to provide a shred of incriminating evidence to substantiate the trumped up terrorism … Continue reading →

Congress’ Helsinki Commission published a bipartisan letter condemning the undermining of “human rights and democratic principles in Turkey.”  The letter focused on a number of concerns, including the prosecution of rights defenders: It is clear that terrorism charges under the … Continue reading →

As part of the global day of action on October 14, Amnesty USA has created tools to help you make your voice heard in defense of detained human rights workers in Turkey.  Access it here.  The time is now.

  Human rights defenders in Turkey are jailed for the very work of defending human rights.  For most of those detained after the police raid on a routine training session in Istanbul, today marks their 100th day of unjust imprisonment. … Continue reading →

Human Rights Watch issued a large and comprehensive report today on increased evidence of torture and disappearances in Turkey. The report expands on and details earlier reports by both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.  ” The findings are based on … Continue reading →