MLSA- Human rights defenders, independent journalists, and representatives from 13 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) gathered for a roundtable discussion organized by Article 19 and MLSA on March 21.
The meeting, part of a series initiated in September 2023, focused on the challenges faced by civil society in Turkey and strategies for the future, emphasizing resilience and methods to enhance solidarity and perseverance.
The Look to the Future Meeting was attended by representatives from the Turkish Journalists' Union (TGS), Civil Area Research Association, Women for Women's Human Rights Association, Lawyers for Freedom Association (ÖHD), Hafıza Merkezi, Saturday Mothers, Romanigodi, Tigris-Euphrates Journalists Association (DFG), Human Rights Watch, Article 19, and MLSA, along with independent journalists.
Burcu Bingöllü from Hafıza Merkezi moderated the first session, focusing on freedom of assembly and the legal processes targeting associations. İkbal Eren from Saturday Mothers/People shared experiences of police interventions against their activities and the ongoing inability to exercise their lawful right to protest, particularly in reference to the situation on Istiklal Street.
Freedom of Assembly and Association Cases
Esin Epli from Hafıza Merkezi, one of four organizations observing interventions against Saturday Mothers, highlighted how continuous arrests and police pressure diminished the visibility of their activities. Participant
also discussed the significance of support from international organizations and the United Nations' approach, emphasizing the importance of international community backing.
A representative from the Migration Monitoring Association (GÖÇİZDER) shared insights into the ongoing closure case against their organization, addressing pressures on NGOs. Importance of Observation and Solidarity
Representatives from the Tigris-Euphrates Journalists Association (DFG) and Turkish Journalists' Union (TGS) underscored the importance of monitoring cases, especially in light of judicial harassment faced by civil society and pressures on the press. Nezahat Doğan from DFG noted the increasing isolation of free press representatives, while TGS General Secretary Banu Tuna suggested utilizing unions' expertise in the struggles of journalists and NGOs.
The session also focused on the impact of case monitoring and reporting. The meeting, which explored ways to collectively overcome challenges facing civil society in Turkey and the importance of international support, also included a second session on well-being and resilience.
