Thousands gathered in front of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg on Wednesday to demand justice and draw attention to the ongoing human rights violations and unlawful detentions in Turkey. The event, known as the “Strasbourg Meeting for Justice,” was held for the fourth time and brought together around 5,000 human rights advocates, including many victims of post-coup decree laws (KHK).
“Justice for All!” Echoes in Strasbourg
The demonstrators, wearing yellow shirts and carrying balloons and signs calling for freedom, marched through the streets before assembling at the headquarters of Europe’s top human rights institutions. With slogans in Turkish and English, they called for the Council of Europe and the ECHR to take concrete action to ensure Turkey complies with binding court decisions.
Figures like Pikachu, Superman, and Batman — now symbolic in Turkey’s justice protests — made appearances, adding color to the march. Activists and civil society representatives from across Europe, including cyclists from the cross-border “Pedal for Rights” initiative, participated in solidarity.
Support from European Parliament Members
Six members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) attended and spoke at the event, including Emmanuel Fernandes (France), Laura Castel (Spain), Benjamin Dalle and Christophe Lacroix (Belgium), Sandra Regol (France), and Vinzenz Glasser (Germany). The MPs denounced the deterioration of human rights in Turkey and cited cases like the death of 15-year-old Sümeyra Gelir — who died after her mother was imprisoned and she was left to care for her siblings — and the ongoing detentions of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtaş.
Calls for Freedom for Journalists and Political Prisoners
A strong focus was placed on press freedom and the plight of imprisoned journalists. Protesters called for the immediate release of Hidayet Karaca, Mehmet Baransu, and Alahattin Kaya, among others. Demonstrators wore masks with their faces and held signs demanding justice. The arrests of journalists reporting on politically motivated detentions were strongly condemned.
“Journalists in Turkey are being arrested for reporting the truth, for speaking out,” organizers said. “They face charges of terrorism propaganda or spreading ‘disinformation’ simply for criticizing the government or mentioning corruption.”
Letters Delivered to European Institutions
Representatives from the human rights platform Peaceful Actions handed letters to ECHR President Mattias Guyomar, Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset, and Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty, urging them to push for enforcement of the ECHR’s rulings in cases like those of Demirtaş, Kavala, and Yalçınkaya.
Prominent Voices Demand Full Democracy
The event also featured speeches by journalist Erkam Tufan Aytav, author Hilal Nesin, former NBA player Enes Kanter, Paris Bar Association human rights lawyer Anais Lefort, French activist Valerie Thatcher, and Norwegian politicians and faith leaders including Odd Anders With and Dag Aakre. Human rights defenders from across Europe also sent video messages in support.
In all speeches, demonstrators urged the Council of Europe to act decisively against arbitrary detentions, fabricated charges, and political repression in Turkey. “Europe cannot remain silent while democracy is being dismantled,” one speaker declared.
A Clear Message for Europe: Rights Must Be Defended
The Strasbourg Meeting for Justice ended with a firm message: Protesters are not asking for privileges, but for the upholding of basic rights. They called on Europe to protect the rule of law, press freedom, and the integrity of democratic institutions — values they say are under threat in Turkey.
