Turkey just arrested Özlem, an Avaaz staffer! She’s just one person caught up in a crackdown on civil society, but to us she’s so much more. If we make Özlem famous with a massive petition and media campaign, she’ll be more trouble than she’s worth for a government in political crisis. Add your name to the urgent petition and let’s set her free:
| FREE ÖZLEM
Turkey just arrested Avaaz staff member Özlem! Let’s set her free. To the Turkish government, she’s just one person caught up in a crackdown on civil society. But if we build a massive international petition and use the media to make Özlem famous, she’ll be more trouble than she’s worth for a government in political crisis. Our petition will be delivered to the EU foreign minister next week ahead of a crucial meeting with Turkey — so add your name urgently and let’s set Özlem free: But to us, she means so much. She works at Avaaz because she shares so many of our values. For years she’s worked so hard for a world where people can organise for peace, justice, and human rights without being sent to jail. She’s brought hundreds of our campaigns alive for Turkish Avaazers. Now she’s being held under threat of ridiculous armed terrorism charges! The closest Özlem has been to any arms is the tear gas and the batons used AGAINST her in the countless times that she’s fought for justice. It’s time we stand up for Özlem, and the others arrested with her, by shining our giant spotlight on her imprisonment. When a million sign, we’ll deliver our call directly to the EU foreign minister ahead of next week’s meeting to up the pressure — let’s set Özlem free: Our community has stood alongside human rights defenders in places from Saudi Arabia to Morocco, from Canada to Indonesia. It’s at the very heart of what our movement’s about. But now, one of our own is in trouble — and depending on us to help. Let’s come together as never before for Özlem and her friends. With hope, Danny, Alex, Marigona, Luca, Emma and the rest of the Avaaz team More information: Turkey detains 10 at human rights meeting, U.S., EU concerned (Reuters) Turkey crackdown: Rights groups outraged by latest arrests (BBC) Turkey must free jailed human rights defenders (Amnesty International) Rights defenders ‘must not be silenced,’ says UN office, urging Turkey to release activists (UN) |
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