18/09/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
Turkish authorities detained 18 people in İzmir as part of an investigation into two left-wing groups, arresting five while releasing an LGBTİ+ activist under judicial supervision.
Turkish authorities carried out a series of detentions in the western city of İzmir as part of an investigation into the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) and the Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF), according to local media reports.
Eighteen people were detained on September 12. Among them, ESP Central Executive Committee member Birkan Polat, Party Assembly member Hıdır Ali Kılıç, Enes Güleli, Sezgin Zevkibol and Yağmur Apa were formally arrested. Hayal Taşdan, Sidal Tanrıverdi and Aziz Benli were released under judicial control.
An LGBTİ+ activist identified as Welat, from the group Colors of Resistance, was also detained and later released under judicial supervision following questioning by prosecutors.
In a statement, Colors of Resistance criticized the detentions and said they would continue to call for the release of all those arrested.
Tags: human rights
