Turkey: KESK women leaders acquitted in long-running trial
Apr 27, 2026
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Fifteen women trade union leaders from KESK were acquitted on 27 April in Ankara, bringing to an end a 14-year trial targeting their legitimate trade union activities.
An international EPSU and PSI delegation, including representatives from UNISON (UK), Fackförbundet ST (Sweden), Vision (Sweden), FP Cgil (Italy) and CFDT (France), was present at the court hearing, which took place on 21 April 2026, but the verdict was postponed until 27 April, Monday. The court announced that all women are cleared of all charges.
Reacting to the decision, Paola Panzeri, EPSU Deputy General Secretary, said:
“Today we saw the fruit of international solidarity. We stood together with our sisters in KESK - because an attack on one trade unionist is an attack on all of us. As trade unionists and feminists, we know that defending workers’ rights also means defending women’s rights and democracy itself. Today is a victory, but we remain vigilant and keep fighting for all sisters and brothers targeted because of their legitimate trade union activities.”
The case stems from the women’s involvement in KESK’s Women’s Assembly, an autonomous structure advocating for gender equality and workers’ rights. The indictment has relied on internal union meetings and activities as evidence, raising serious concerns about violations of international labour standards, including ILO Convention 87 on freedom of association.