Reacting to news that environmental activist Esra Işık has been convicted of “resisting a public official to prevent them from performing their duty” and “insulting a public official” for taking part in a peaceful protest against an urgent expropriation decision that is paving the way for a project to expand a coal mine in south-western Türkiye, Esther Major, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Europe, said:
“Today’s decision is a devastating blow for Esra Işık and for those engaged in the long struggle to stave off eviction and protect rural settlements and farmland from an expansion of mining activities. It is also a deeply disappointing outcome for those fighting to end the criminalization of environmental human rights defenders by Turkish authorities.
“It is unconscionable that Esra Işık has been convicted and could face imprisonment, simply for defending her local environment.
Esther Major, Amnesty International
“It is unconscionable that Esra Işık has been convicted and could be facing imprisonment if her conviction is upheld on appeal, simply for defending her community and the local environment.
