Follow-up brief on the 5 July Anti-NATO protest and the detention of TKP members

Anti-NATO protest by the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) on 5 July in Ankara, which defied the government’s ban, resonated across Turkey and around the world. The demonstration showed that, despite the Turkish ruling class’ eagerness to align itself with NATO’s war plans, there are honorable, anti-imperialist people in Turkey who stand in opposition to NATO.

During the protest, 139 TKP members were detained and several participants were injured as a result of police intervention. With those detained in other provinces included, the total number of TKP members taken into custody had risen to 145.

Today, all detained TKP members have been released, with the exception of three who have been placed under two weeks of house arrest.

While our members were in custody, dozens of communist and workers’ parties from across the international communist movement mobilized in solidarity, calling for the release of our comrades. Their signatures for the joint statement on this agenda and messages of solidarity gave us strength. We extend our sincere thanks to all of them.

Our struggle against NATO will continue with even greater determination.

For the joint statement “Stop the Repression Against TKP and Anti-NATO Protesters in Turkey” and the list of signatures, please visit SolidNet website: https://www.solidnet.org/article/CP-of-Turkey-Stop-the-Repression-Against-TKP-and-Anti-NATO-Protesters-in-Turkey/

For messages of solidarity, please visit our X account: https://x.com/tkpinter?s=21&t=kypbiFhSczK7MTnfDsuHUg