Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.
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Press Release
Fresh evidence of casualties underscores need for impartial investigation into Turkish airstrikes in Kandil Mountains
Evidence collected by Amnesty International in a fact-finding mission indicates that multiple Turkish government airstrikes killed eight residents and injured at least eight others – including a child - in a flagrantly unlawful attack on the village of Zergele, in the Kandil Mountains in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
August 11, 2015
Report
State of the World 2014/2015
This has been a devastating year for those seeking to stand up for human rights and for those caught up in the suffering of war zones. Governments pay lip service to the importance of protecting civilians. And yet the world's politicians have miserably failed to protect those in greatest need. Amnesty International believes that this can and must finally change.
February 25, 2015
Report
Struggling to Survive: Refugees from Syria in Turkey
The international community’s failure to deal with the growing number of Syrian refugees fleeing into Turkey has led to a crisis of unprecedented proportions with refugees facing push-backs and live fire at the border and hundreds of thousands living in destitution. "Struggling to Survive: Refugees from Syria in Turkey," documents serious human rights risks faced by the 1.6 million people who have sought refuge in the country over the last three and a half years. It also highlights the deplorable reluctance of the international community to take meaningful financial responsibility for the refugee crisis.
November 18, 2014
Report
Gezi Park Protests: Brutal Denial of the Right to Peaceful Assembly in Turkey
On 30 May 2013, police cleared Gezi Park in central Istanbul of a small group of protestors opposed to its destruction. The denial of their right to protest and the violence used by the police touched a nerve and a wave of anti-government demonstrations swept across Turkey.
October 2, 2013
Press Release
Turkey Accused of Gross Human Rights Violations in Gezi Park Protests
Turkish authorities committed human rights violations on a massive scale in the government’s attempts to crush the Gezi Park protests this summer.
September 26, 2013
Press Release
Government Restrictions and Police Violence Threaten Pride March in Turkey’s Taksim Square
Following weeks of violently suppressed public protests, the Turkish government’s declaration that public assemblies in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square will not be tolerated will put Pride marches at risk over the next two Sundays.
June 21, 2013
Press Release
Join Amnesty International Youth Activists and Speak Out to Protect Turkey’s Right to Peaceful Protest
Peaceful protesters in Turkey continue to face an appalling amount of violence and abuse from police forces throughout Istanbul and neighboring cities. In a show of support and solidarity for those who merely want to exercise their right to freedom of assembly and peaceful protest, Amnesty International USA’s youth activists will be holding a demonstration in Union Square, Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. to raise awareness and have people participate in Amnesty International’s Urgent Action.
June 21, 2013
Press Release
International Community Must Intervene to End Violence in Turkey
Amnesty International continues to closely monitor violence in Turkey, urging the international community to intervene and prevent tensions from further escalating between Turkish authorities and protesters. Comments made today by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will only lead to more unnecessary violence and bloodshed.
June 12, 2013
Press Release
Increased Police Repression Continues to Go Unchecked in Turkey
Protests in Turkey are likely to continue to escalate unless authorities engage in meaningful discussions with activists, Amnesty International said after riot police this morning once again used tear gas and water cannons against peaceful protesters in Istanbul’s Taksim Square and Gezi Park.
June 11, 2013
Press Release
Turkish Prime Minister’s Words Will Only Exacerbate Violence
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced in a televised speech on Tuesday that he would no longer tolerate the protests that have shaken the country for nearly two weeks.
June 11, 2013
Press Release
Alarming Increase in Police Violence and Abusive Force Against Peaceful Protestors in Turkey
Amnesty International continues to be concerned for the health of injured members of the public following unprecedented and abusive use of force by police officers against protesters in cities across Turkey.
June 3, 2013
Report
Annual Report: Turkey 2013
Republic of Turkey Head of state Abdullah Gül Head of government Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Freedom of expression remained restricted despite limited legislative reforms. The police used excessive force to break up peaceful demonstrations. Investigations and prosecutions into alleged human rights abuses by state officials were flawed. The pattern of unfair trials under anti-terrorism legislation persisted. Bomb attacks claimed the lives of civilians. No progress was made in recognizing the right to conscientious objection or in outlawing discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. The number of refugees from Syria seeking shelter in Turkey reached almost 150,000. Turkey adopted…
May 29, 2013