Turkey Arrests 209 Before NATO Summit, Rights Group Says

Turkish police arrested at least 209 people in Ankara just days before a major NATO summit, Human Rights Watch reported on Wednesday. The mass arrests took place overnight on June 22-23, targeting political activists, lawyers, an academic, and a prominent LGBT rights journalist. The Ankara prosecutor’s office said the arrests aimed to “decipher the action and activities of terrorist organizations.” Officials linked those detained to revolutionary leftist groups and the Islamic State (ISIS), but provided no details of specific crimes. “The misuse of terrorism laws to conduct mass arrests and silence people in the run-up to a NATO summit flies in the face of the founding values of the alliance,” said Benjamin Ward, deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. He called for the immediate release of those detained and urged NATO to insist on allowing peaceful expression and assembly around the summit. The arrests came hours after the Ankara governor’s office banned all public assemblies, demonstrations, leafleting, and banners from June 28 to July 10. The 13-day ban cites security and public order for the NATO summit, which is scheduled for July 7-8. Authorities barred contact with detainees for 24 hours before allowing lawyer visits. It remains unclear how many will face criminal investigation or pretrial detention. Turkish media reported that one man, alleged to have ISIS links, died in a shootout with police during his arrest. Human Rights Watch called for a full, independent investigation into his death. The crackdown occurs amid broader rights violations in Turkey. Courts recently removed the leadership of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, an opposition presidential candidate, has been detained and barred from politics. At least 21 journalists are currently in prison. Authorities have also blocked social media accounts of LGBT and women’s rights organizations, including groups that help victims of domestic violence. The bans came as LGBT groups prepared Pride month events, which Turkish authorities typically try to prevent. “Clearing the streets of Ankara of potential protesters only further exposes the Turkish government’s deepening repression,” Ward said. “Turkey’s NATO allies should use their influence to urge the authorities to change course.”