Erdogan's Crackdown: The Arrest of an LGBTQ+ Youth Activist
Enes Hocaogullari, an LGBTQ+ youth activist, was arrested in Turkey upon returning from France for criticizing President Erdogan's government's crackdown on opponents. The charges relate to his speech at Europe’s main rights body. His arrest drew criticism from the Council of Europe and widespread concern over Turkey's democratic state.
- Country:
- Turkey
In a move that has drawn international outcry, Turkey has detained Enes Hocaogullari, a 23-year-old LGBTQ+ activist, at Ankara's Esenboga Airport. Hocaogullari's arrest follows his critical speech in Strasbourg, where he condemned President Erdogan's harsh measures against political opposition.
Authorities charged Hocaogullari with disseminating misleading information and inciting hatred post his criticism of Turkey's democratic decline, citing remarks made about detained mayors as pivotal. Over 500 political figures have faced similar fates over nine months amid Erdogan's extensive crackdown.
The Council of Europe has demanded Hocaogullari's release, decrying the arrest as retaliation for exercising free speech, a cornerstone democratic value. Meanwhile, Ankara has dismissed external criticisms, accusing European bodies of bias and interference.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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- Turkey
- LGBTQ+
- youth activist
- Erdogan
- Enes Hocaogullari
- arrest
- criticism
- democracy
- opposition
- Europe
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