Genç-Sen Members Protest Closure of their Union

Members of the Students Youth Union Genç-Sen organized a protest march on 5 October from the Yıldız Technical University to Beşiktaş (central Istanbul) to demonstrate against the closure of their union.

The Istanbul 3^rd Civil Court of First Instance decided on the closedown of Genç-Sen on 3 October. The union announced to file an appeal against the decision and to go as far as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if necessary.

The Istanbul Governor's Office launched a trial against Genç-Sen in May 2008 claiming that the "Trade Union Act does not include any regulation on a union established by students". After a three year trial period, the court eventually decided for the closure of the union.

The students were carrying a banner featuring "Don't touch our union that has been established by students and closed down by court" during their protest march. They chanted slogans such as "unity-struggle-solidarity union for students" or "equal, free, scientific education in the mother language".

Although the riot police stopped the demonstrators several times and made them wait, the students finally received permission to read their press release in Beşiktaş.

It was said in the press release, "This decision is unacceptable. It clearly violates Article 90 of the Constitution and several international agreements signed by Turkey. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights signed by Turkey, everybody has the right to establish a union in order to protect his/her interests. The closure decision given by court is contrary to the law".

"As Genç-Sen we will continue our legal struggle and apply to the Court of Appeals and if necessary to the European Court of Human Rights. We call on everybody to become a member of our union as of today in order to fight off this anti-democratic attack on Genç-Sen". (ÇT/VK)