Turkish Human Rights Association chair's home ransacked, made to look like robbery

The home of Turkey's Human Rights Association's (İHD) co-chair Eren Keskin was ransacked and the incident was made to appear as a robbery, the İHD said. The association also said that Keskin is often "judicially harassed" through investigations and lawsuits for being a vocal rights defender both at home and abroad.

Duvar English

Turkey's Human Rights Association (İHD) said on June 17 that their co-chair Eren Keskin's home had been broken into and her belongings had been thrown around, but that nothing had been taken.

"A simple investigation of the scene shows that the incident wasn't a simple robbery, but instead conducted to intimidate and threaten Eren Keskin," İHD said in an official statement.

Noting that Keskin is a renowned human rights defender both in Turkey and in the world, İHD said that she is often "judicially harassed" through investigations and lawsuits.

"It looks like dark circles that didn't think the judicial harassment was sufficient took things into physical harassment territory," İHD added.

The association said that they would follow the judicial process following the break-in at Keskin's house and that they would take the case to international platforms if necessary.

The İHD also called on the democratic community at large to show sensitivity to rights defenders who "will continue their fight for rights and democracy in a time where Turkey is becoming increasingly authoritarian."

"Keskin represents all our conscience. So we believe it's fair to say that this threat against her is a threat against everyone in Turkey who stands by democracy and human rights."

Human rights association leader threatened by pro-government journalistHuman rights association leader threatened by pro-government journalist