Monday, February 03, 2025 

In the most recent Amnesty Urgent Action Letter, TRUSU sent a letter addressed to Mr. Gökhan Karaköse, Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor in Türkiye. In this letter we urged for the immediate release of human rights advocate Nimet Tanrıkulu and called on authorities to cease detaining her on baseless charges of “membership in a terrorist organization.” 

“I am glad we are able to take action in solidarity for those who do the groundwork in human right organizations, especially those that are being disciplined for doing such important work for their community” says Noori Arora, TRUSU’s Racialized Representative. 

On November 26, Turkish police detained Tanrıkulu from her home in Istanbul and later transferred her to Ankara’s anti-terrorism branch. On November 30, she was placed in pre-trial detention under the unfounded accusation of “membership in a terrorist organization.” Tanrıkulu is not only a long-standing human rights advocate but also a pioneering force who played a central role in creating a human rights organization that has long worked to document abuses, support marginalized communities, and hold state actors accountable. Her dedication to establishing this platform has provided a critical space for victims and has empowered communities to stand up against oppression. 

This case is emblematic of a broader pattern in Türkiye where anti-terrorism laws are misused to silence dissent and target those who dare to challenge authoritarian practices. By detaining Tanrıkulu, a founding figure in a vital human rights organization, Turkish authorities are not only undermining individual freedoms but are also threatening the collective struggle for justice and accountability. The misuse of legal instruments against activists like Tanrıkulu has a ripple effect, discouraging courageous efforts to expose and confront human rights violations. 

 “This isn’t only about one individual case; it’s about protecting the collective right to gather and for free expression in Türkiye and across the globe,” Arora added. 

  We urge Turkish authorities to act immediately by releasing Nimet Tanrıkulu and by upholding transparent, evidence-based legal standards. We hope this decisive action will not only restore her freedom but also signal a commitment to protecting all those who stand up against injustice. 

We eagerly await a response from the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows for the Union to consistently take solidarity action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.