Paul Maskey MP’s Message of Support for CEFTUS 7th Anniversary

”On behalf of the Sinn Féin MP Team, comhghairdeas to CEFTUS on its 7th Anniversary. My colleagues and I wish to recognise the valuable work that CEFTUS provides in monitoring the integrity of democratic institutions and freedoms in Turkey.

At the beginning of this year I was in Ankara as part of an international delegation of independent observers for the court cases of two HDP MPs, Mr Selahattin Demirtaş and Ms Figen Yüksekdağ. From what I witnessed, I am convinced that platforms like CEFTUS have never been more vital. The erosion of rights and the pervasive persecution, at present in Turkey, should be cause for considerable concern for the international community.

In these difficult times, we must do all we can to ensure that the voices of those struggling for democracy and freedom in Turkey are heard. I commend CEFTUS for bringing together the voices of progressive elements of civic society and expert opinions on the region. Congratulations to CEFTUS, and Ibrahim Dogus in particular, for your work – we wish you every success in the time ahead.”