DECEMBER 2024
Letter in Support of the Cessation of Hearings and Release of Detained University Students in Istanbul
Letter in Support of the Cessation of Hearings and Release of Detained University Students in Istanbul
The IRF Community and Rumi Forum circulated a letter that supports intervention in the trial of 41 individuals, including minors, at the İstanbul 24th High Criminal Court. These individuals face unjust charges under Turkey's anti-terror laws, targeting routine religious activities such as prayer, fasting, and community gatherings. The letter underscores the flawed judicial process, citing overcrowded courtrooms, unverified evidence, and systemic criminalization of religious expression, particularly targeting the Hizmet Movement. Highlighting Turkey's violation of international human rights treaties, it calls for the immediate release of detainees, fair trials, and international oversight of the upcoming hearings on December 12–13, 2024. The plea emphasizes the defendants’ right to practice their faith freely and the broader implications for religious liberty in Turkey.
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