Remzi Çalışkan released from prison in Turkey

Remzi Çalışkan, President of Genel-İş and Vice-President of DİSK, was released from prison in Turkey on 24 December 2024 after a month in detention. Remzi, a member of EPSU’s Executive Committee, had been unlawfully detained since 26 November following dawn raids targeting trade unionists, journalists, and human rights defenders.

Remzi, Genel-İş, and DİSK expressed their gratitude to the tens of thousands of trade unionists in Turkey and beyond who protested for his release. They thanked EPSU, PSI, ETUC, and other international trade union organisations for their support, as well as supportive MEPs including Nacho Sánchez Amor and Özlem Alev Demirel. They also thanked members of EPSU’s Executive Committee who coordinated protest letters from their trade unions to Turkish embassies in over twenty countries.

The release highlights the power of international solidarity, but the fight is far from over. Kemal Göksoy, President of the Mersin Branch of Genel-İş, remains in prison, along with other detained trade unionists. EPSU and its affiliates continue to call for their immediate release and for an end to the criminalisation of trade unionism in Turkey.

The arrests of Remzi, Kemal, and hundreds of others on 26 November were a blatant attempt to silence critical voices. This struggle is not just individual freedom – it is about the defence of democracy, workers’ rights, and the fundamental freedoms enshrined in international law.

EPSU reaffirms its commitment to stand with Genel-İş, DİSK, and all those fighting for justice and rights. Solidarity has proven its strength, and together, we will fight until all trade unionists are free.