Ricardo Sánchez Serra*
In recent years, Turkey has come under increasing international scrutiny due to the actions of its government, led by Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Accusations of persecution of political opponents, restrictions on press freedom, and human rights violations have called into question the country's commitment to democratic values and universal principles of fundamental rights.
Persecution of opponents and weakening of democracy
One of the most emblematic cases of political repression is that of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key opposition figure. He has faced investigations and prosecutions that many consider politically motivated, designed to limit his ability to act and weaken his influence. This case is just one in a broader pattern of repression against opponents, which has included the imprisonment of political leaders, journalists, and activists on questionable charges, cementing a political environment that leaves little room for dissent.
The Hizmet Movement, a pacifist collective based on educational and altruistic values, has become one of the main victims of Erdogan's government. The persecution against the movement began in 2013, following allegations of corruption involving senior government officials. Since then, Erdogan has intensified his repressive campaign, unfairly blaming them for the failed 2016 coup attempt.
Hizmet members have been subjected to mass incarceration, arbitrary dismissals, and, in violation of other states' sovereign borders, have faced extrajudicial abductions and extradition requests. Despite these adversities, the movement has maintained its peaceful approach and its commitment to the values of education, dialogue, and community service. Countries such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Panama, and, on two occasions, Peru, have rejected extradition requests, recognizing the political persecution behind these requests.
Restrictions on freedom of the press and expression: Another area of growing repression is press freedom, which has experienced a marked decline in Turkey. The country leads the list of nations with the highest number of imprisoned journalists. Independent media outlets have been systematically shut down, while those critical of the government face legal persecution. This absolute control of the media narrative has marginalized critical voices and severely limited access to impartial information, consolidating an environment of state propaganda.
International relations, NATO and the case of Peru
The Turkish government's authoritarian turn also strains its position as a strategic ally in NATO, an alliance founded on democratic values and respect for human rights. Erdogan's repressive measures have exposed a fundamental contradiction between the Turkish government's actions and the organization's core principles. Despite being a key geopolitical partner, Turkey has been unsuccessfully seeking EU membership for years, due to concerns about its democratic decline and systematic violations of fundamental rights.
In this context, Peru and Turkey are close to holding a bilateral consultation mechanism, in which Ankara will propose an extradition agreement. This agreement, however, must be firmly rejected by Peru, which has the responsibility to prioritize the defense of human rights above any political or economic interests. Accepting such an agreement would open the possibility that unjustly persecuted individuals, such as members of the Hizmet Movement, could face serious risks under a Turkish judicial system widely criticized for its lack of independence.
The situation in Turkey represents a clear example of the risks that democracies face when fundamental rights are ignored or eroded. The international community, including allied countries such as NATO members and developing democracies like Peru, must take a firm stance to demand that the Turkish government respect human rights, press freedom, and democratic values.
Peru, in particular, has the opportunity to send a strong message by rejecting any extradition agreement that could endanger unjustly persecuted individuals. While the Hizmet Movement, with its peaceful approach and commitment to social progress, remains an example of resistance in the face of oppression, democratic governments around the world have a duty to ensure that fundamental rights prevail over diplomatic relations or geopolitical interests. Turkey has the potential to be a regional leader, but this future will only be possible if it reconciles itself with the essential principles of justice, democracy, and freedom.
*Honest Vision 2023 World Journalism Award
Just a few years ago, Turkey almost seemed like it was about to join the European Union. The biggest drawback was that, geographically, it was more of an Asian country than a European one, although some racism may have been hidden there. For example, Turks have always been one of the main targets of German neo-Nazis. Also in its favor was the fact that it belonged, and still does, belong to NATO, with American bases, advanced NATO weapons, and is a country of great geostrategic importance, very close to Russia. Immediately after this, quickly or suddenly, all this changed with the consolidation of the Erdogan regime. Despite everything, I still see Western television reports and YouTube videos that only show the many wonders of Turkey and its Turks, advising everyone not to miss this country on their next vacation. There's no shortage of images of Europeans enjoying sports and recreational activities with Turks, typical of tourist-oriented countries. There is little sign of this authoritarian drift, but there is also an Islamist drift, dalliances with Russia or anti-NATO, crimes against the Kurds, against opponents, etc.