We at the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) stand in unwavering solidarity with the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP), its detained comrades, and the workers and people of Turkey who are courageously resisting the fascistic crackdown of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on democratic rights. The arbitrary detention of TKP İstanbul Provincial Chair Ahmet Dincel, Party Assembly member Arda Hacıyusufoğlu, and other party members, — snatched from their homes in morning raids— along with hundreds of other protesters, political activists, and journalists, simply for participating in a peaceful demonstration in defense of the people’s right to political expression—is a blatant attack on fundamental freedoms. We demand their immediate and unconditional release, along with an end to the repression against all progressive forces in Turkey.
The recent wave of arrests, including the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the social democratic opposition leader and presidential candidate of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), on trumped up charges, marks a dangerous escalation in the ruling AKP’s assault on dissent. For five days, millions across the country have taken to the streets to reject these repressive measures, only to face brutal police crackdowns, home raids, and mass detentions. The use of the “Law on Meetings and Demonstrations” as a pretext to silence opposition exposes the regime’s fear of popular resistance and its determination to suppress any challenge to its rule.
We salute the resilience of the workers of Turkey who continue to fight for democracy, justice, and workers’ rights despite the violent police repression.
We salute the Communist Party of Turkey who is on the forefront in the streets, fighting not only in defense of the democratic right to vote but to also organize a working class movement independent of the capitalist parties. The international working-class movement must stand united in solidarity with the working class of Turkey, recognizing that the struggle in Turkey is part of the international fight against capitalist exploitation.
At the PSL, we pledge to raise the voices of our TKP comrades in our own organizing and to mobilize solidarity efforts in support of their struggle.
Long live international solidarity!
Long live the workers of Turkey and their party TKP!
Long live socialism!
