In the most recent Amnesty Urgent Action letter, the Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union wrote to Milas Chief Public Prosecutor Enis Tekgül urging him to immediately drop all criminal charges against environmental human rights defender Esra Işık. We also called on the Turkish authorities to ensure that Esra Işık is able to peacefully exercise her rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of prosecution.
“Writing this letter reminded me how important it is to stand in solidarity with people who are simply trying to protect their communities,” said Grace Ifekwe, Racialized Persons Representative. “No one should face criminal charges for peacefully speaking up about issues that affect their lives and the future of their community.”
On March 30, 2026, authorities carried out a court-ordered inspection in Karacahisar village as part of an emergency expropriation process affecting more than 649 parcels of land. The process moved so quickly that many landowners and their legal representatives had little opportunity to participate. Esra Işık joined local residents in a peaceful protest against the expropriation and was arrested the following day. She remained in pretrial detention until May 11, 2026, when she was released after Türkiye’s Council of State suspended the emergency expropriation order. Although she has been released, the criminal proceedings against her continue.
Esra Işık’s case reflects broader concerns about the increasing pressure faced by environmental defenders in Türkiye. Legislative changes introduced in recent years have made it easier for mining companies to expand into olive-growing regions, threatening the livelihoods of local communities and the environment they depend on. Community members have repeatedly raised concerns through peaceful protest, yet many continue to face intimidation or criminal prosecution for defending their land and exercising their fundamental human rights.
“Communities should never have to choose between protecting their homes and protecting their freedom,” said Ifekwe. “When people are punished for peacefully defending their environment, it sends a message that their voices do not matter.”
We hope the Turkish authorities take the necessary steps to uphold their human rights obligations by dropping the charges against Esra Işık and protecting the rights of everyone to peacefully defend their communities and environment.
We await a response from Milas Chief Public Prosecutor Enis Tekgül regarding this urgent matter.
For more Information
The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take 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.