The 5th Justice Gathering, held in front of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg, France, attracted widespread international attention. More than 5,000 human rights advocates attended the event, held under the slogan “Justice for All,” while European parliamentarians, politicians, human rights defenders and opinion leaders also expressed their support. The International Journalists Association (IJA) actively contributed to the initiative.
At the event, organized by the international civil society network Peaceful Actions, IJA joined 17 international human rights organizations in supporting a call for human rights and justice. Through both its fieldwork and international communication activities, IJA played an important role in bringing the demands voiced in Strasbourg to the attention of the international community.
IJA also signs international letter submitted to the European Commission
As part of the event, a joint letter was submitted to European institutions. On behalf of 17 international civil society organizations, a comprehensive letter addressed to Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and other senior Council bodies was presented.
The letter emphasized that human rights violations in Turkey are no longer merely Turkey’s internal affair but have become a test for the European human rights system. It called on the Council of Europe to take more concrete, coordinated and effective action. The letter urged an end to human rights violations in Turkey, the removal of obstacles to freedom of thought and expression, and the implementation of ECtHR judgments.
IJA was among the organizations that signed the letter, which was prepared in three languages. The association’s contribution was further highlighted by the participation of Mustafa Kılıç, a member of the IJA Board of Directors, in the delegation that delivered the letter to the authorities.
Global visibility through live coverage from the field
IJA journalists and volunteers followed the gathering in Strasbourg in real time, bringing the event to a wider audience through live broadcasts, press statements, interviews and social media posts. The campaign for justice gained international visibility through these social media activities. Banners, slogans and messages concerning human rights violations displayed during the march were reported in detail through on-the-ground coverage. IJA teams amplified the voices of both journalists and civil society representatives to the international public. IJA volunteers also prepared graphics, videos and press statements to inform the public about the march, further increasing the impact of the call for justice in Strasbourg.
Pedal for Rights: Cyclists arrive in Strasbourg
One part of the march was the “Pedal for Justice” initiative. Activists organized bicycle tours in the Netherlands, Germany and Australia to raise awareness and support the Justice Gathering. Routes beginning in cities such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, Amsterdam and Ludwigshafen converged in Strasbourg. Among the cyclists was exiled journalist Nurullah Kaya, who joined the event to symbolize the demand for justice for millions living under oppression.
Young IJA volunteers on the ground
Young IJA volunteers delivered the message “You are not alone!” to participants through interviews conducted in different languages. The young journalists, who also assisted with camera work and photography, played an active role in the association’s coverage. Volunteers worked intensively to bring the Strasbourg justice march to the attention of the international public. They viewed the march as the voice of a human rights struggle and conveyed the message “Do not remain silent!” to the international community. By informing the global public about ongoing human rights violations in Turkey, IJA teams also supported calls by human rights advocates urging international institutions such as the Council of Europe and the ECtHR to “take more decisive action.”
A strong part of international solidarity
The Strasbourg Justice Gathering brought together civil society organizations, journalists and human rights defenders from different countries. As part of this broad coalition, IJA underscored the importance of press freedom and the rule of law. Participants particularly called for the release of imprisoned journalists, including Hidayet Karaca, Ali Ünal, Mehmet Baransu and Alaattin Kaya. Political prosecutions and violations of freedom of expression were also raised, with participants urging European institutions to “take more decisive action.”
“Do not remain silent” message stands out
IJA journalists and volunteers described the Strasbourg gathering not only as a protest but also as a global awareness campaign. Through their work, they helped bring ongoing human rights violations in Turkey to the attention of the international community.