Turkey

ELA has expressed its solidarity with the trade unionists of KESK who will be tried in Ankara

Apr 15, 2026
ELA has expressed its solidarity with the trade unionists of KESK who will be tried in Ankara
ELA has expressed its firm solidarity with the 15 women union leaders of the Turkish public services confederation KESK who face the final hearing of a judicial process initiated in 2012 on 21 April.

This case is part of a broader context of judicial persecution of KESK representatives, with the aim of intimidating and criminalizing trade union activity. The trade unionists involved, who belong to different sectors, face serious accusations relating to terrorism. Some of them have already spent six months in prison and, if convicted, could face at least four additional years in prison.

ELA denounces that this process constitutes a direct attack on trade union freedoms and fundamental rights, and joins the numerous initiatives promoted by international trade union organizations to make the situation visible and support the people affected.

The union wanted to convey its support and solidarity both to the leaders involved and to the whole of KESK, stressing the importance of international pressure in this type of process.

ELA reaffirms its commitment to defending trade union rights and will continue to denounce any attempt to criminalize trade union action.