Call for Solidarity - Free Lokman Özdemir‏

KESK, the Turkish Federation of Public Employees Trade Unions, are calling on public service unions worldwide to demand the release of Lokman Özdemir. Brother Özdemir is the President of KESK affiliate, DIVES (which organises religion and foundation workers), who last week was arrested and detained for making a public demand for peace and democracy.

In Turkey, the unionisation rate is very low because of the abuse of trade union rights and the rising influence of conservative forces makes it even more difficult to organise in the area of religious affairs.

KESK is opposing these violations of trade union rights and freedom of association. Trade unionists are being asked to write to the Turkish authorities calling for the immediate release of Lokman Özdemir.

Fax numbers of Turkish Authorities:
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: 00 90 312 417 04 76
President Abdullah Gül: 0090 312 427 13 30
Minister of Justice Sadullah Ergin: 00 90 312 419 33 70

Copy to:
Emirali Şimşek General Secretary KESK: 00 90 312 436 74 70 or kesk@kesk.org.tr: