ECtHR: Workers Have Right to Celebrate May Day

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The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has acknowledged Sadrettin Güler, who did not go to work in order to attend the May 1 celebrations in 2008, to be right and has condemned Turkey.

Sadrettin Güler, a member of the Confederation of Public Laborers' Unions (KESK), attended the May Day celebrations on May 1, 2008. Güler was previously informed that in case he attended the celebrations and was absent from his job, a disciplinary investigation would be launched.

After attending the celebrations with the KESK, Güler was given an official warning as part of the investigation opened after his absence on May 1. His objections to the warning were also rejected.

Turkey has been condemned again due to May 1

Upon the rejection of his objections, Güler appealed to the ECtHR, stating that his freedom of assembly and association and right to an effective remedy had been violated.

Announcing his verdict today (April 24), the ECtHR acknowledged Sadrettin Güler to be right and condemned Turkey for violating Güler's freedom of assembly and association as well as his right to an effective remedy. Since Güler did not demand compensation, no ruling was given about it.

CLICK - ECtHR Convicts Turkey For Police Violence on May 1, 2007

ECtHR ruled on the application regarding the police intervention on May Day in 2007 on December 12, 2017 and convicted Turkey of "violating the freedom of assembly and association."

Regarding the police violence at Taksim Square on May 1, 2008, the ECtHR found Turkey guilty and sentenced it to pay compensation.

Governorship has not allowed celebrations in Taksim

Labor unions and professional organizations have previously announced that they will hold this year's May Day celebrations in the district of Maltepe in İstanbul after İstanbul Governorship rejected the application to celebrate it at Taksim Square. (AS/SD)