FREE ONDER DOLUTAS!

Stop Persecution of Human Rights Defenders!

We, members of MIGRANTE International, a global alliance of 130 Filipino migrant organizations in 23 countries and a member of the International Migrant Alliance, a global alliance of more than 100 organizations of migrants, immigrants and refugees from 25 countries worldwide, strongly deprecate the unjust arrest and continued detention of Mr. Onder Dolutas.

Mr. Onder Dolutas is one of the leaders of migrants and refugee groups from Turkey based in Europe – the Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe (ATIK). ATIK is one of the founding members of the International Migrant Alliance.

The unjust arrest and continued incarceration of Mr. Dolutas is a clear manifestation of the intensification of the US-instigated anti-terror campaign and its cohorts like Germany and the United Kingdom, targeting migrants and refugees as their prime targets and suspects.

According to ATIK, Mr. Dolutas is a 30-year old British citizen of Turkish origin, was arrested by German authorities last 23 May 2008 upon his arrival at Frankfurt Han airport in Germany. He went to Germany from London to visit friends and family. His arrest follows a request from the Turkish authorities for his extradition. He was arrested on trumped up charges in Turkey and his case is not even a concern or related to his stay in Germany. He has been kept in custody in the Koblenz region of Germany since his arrest.

As a British citizen, Mr. Dolutas has all the legal rights to be protected and must be under the responsibility of the government of the United Kingdom. However, the silence and inaction of the UK government demonstrate its collaboration with the Turkish and German governments in violating the fundamental human rights of Mr. Dolutas.

Lastly, we believe that Mr. Dolutas’ right to choose where he wants to stay must be respected. The UK government should unconditionally afford protection and assistance.

As the movement of migrants and refugees strengthens so as their persecution heaps on especially that the European Union will soon implement the new stiffer EU Immigration Policy which primarily targets the former. Migrants and refugees should persevere, they should fight.

Free Dolutas NOW!

Stop Persecution of Human Rights Defenders!