Amnesty Online Action for Mahmoud Salehi

To: bilgi@basbakanlik.gov.tr
Subject: Protest Letter - Act now for Mahmoud Salehi

To Mr. Reçep Tayyip Erdoğan

Ref: Protest Letter - Act now for Mahmoud Salehi

Mr. Reçep Tayyip Erdogan.
Prime Minister
Turkey

Fax: +90 312 417 0476 / 418 0476
bilgi@basbakanlik.gov.tr


Dear Sir,

With deep concern and disappointment I write to your office in support of ITF affiliate, Türkiye Motorlu Tasit Iscileri Sendikasi (TÜMTIS).

Five months ago, the ITF lodged its strong protest with your government on the arrest of members of the Ankara Branch of TÜMTIS over what appears to be an attempt to suppress independent trade union activities. In November the ITF requested your office to intervene in order to release them immediately. Regrettably, the situation has not improved since then as seven trade unionists remain in prison and together with a further eight union members they have now been charged with the "establishment of a criminal organisation". The ITF believes these charges to be groundless and fully supports the union's view that such an allegation is designed to oppress genuine trade union activities and therefore is in breach of ILO Conventions Nos. 98 and 87.

I appeal to your good office to intervene to ensure that these TÜMTIS members are freed immediately and unconditionally with all charges dropped.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely

(name, organisation etc)