Amnesty International Turkey said two of its former leaders were convicted on “terrorist” charges by an Istanbul court on Friday in a case reflecting mounting…
Amnesty International Turkey said two of its former leaders were convicted on “terrorist” charges by an Istanbul court on Friday in a case reflecting mounting official pressure on civil society.
The trial of 11 human rights activists became a symbol of the crackdown on critics after the 2016 failed attempt to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Idil Eser, former Amnesty Turkey director, was among three people sentenced to 25 months for “helping a terrorist organisation”.
Ex-Amnesty International Turkey chair Taner Kilic was sentenced to six years and three months for “membership of a terrorist organisation”, Amnesty Turkey said on Twitter.
They are free pending appeal.
The court acquitted seven other activists including Peter Steudtner, a German citizen, and Ali Gharavi, who is Swedish.
The trial had been followed closely abroad with Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, U2’s Bono and others offering high-profile support.
