TUC demands Turkish government free transport trade union activists

Ambassador Alpogan
Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
43 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8PA

Dear Ambassador Alpogan

Detention of Türkiye Motorlu Tasit Isçileri Sendikasi (Tumtis) members

The TUC, which represents working people in Great Britain, is deeply concerned about the detention of and charges laid against members of the above Turkish road transport union. These trade unionists were merely peacefully exercising their right to freedom of association, and I would be grateful if you could convey to your Government our request that they should be released and the charges against them should be dropped.

We understand that the Ankara branch members of the road transport union Türkiye Motorlu Tasit Isçileri Sendikasi (Tumtis) are currently being held in Sincan prison. They were detained on 20 November 2007 and formally arrested three days later. Ten other members who were detained at the same time were subsequently released. However, the seven members, along with eight others, now face charges - they have been accused of "setting up a criminal organisation". If found guilty, court action will be taken to shut down the union. The detentions coincide with the union's attempts to run two organising campaigns. The first hearing is due to take place on 6 June.

The TUC calls on the Turkish Government to stop this repression of Turkish trade unionists which is in clear breach of international conventions that Turkey has ratified, and the principles of the European Union which your Government is seeking, with TUC support, to join. In the short term we would ask that the trade unionists concerned are freed and all charges against them dropped. I look forward to receiving your response.

We will be taking this up with the British Government and with Members of the European Parliament.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary