Solidarity with the Young Democratic Civil Society in Türkiye

Since March 18, 2025, many young individuals advocating for a democratic future for the country have been arrested following unlawful house searches. Authorities are particularly targeting those calling for boycotts and protests at universities. Most recently, the X accounts (formerly Twitter) of 53 youth organizations were suspended after they shared information about youth-led protests. This restriction on freedom of expression has deprived more than half a million people of a crucial independent source of information.

Young people exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and assembly are being criminalized, while fundamental civil liberties are being systematically curtailed. These repressive measures are part of a deliberate strategy of intimidation and suppression of organized youth resistance. Particularly alarming is the fact that members of our partner organization, the independent Turkish youth council GoFor, have also been subjected to state repression and arrested following unlawful house searches.

Özge Erdoğan, Deputy Chairperson of the German Federal Youth Council, states:

It is unacceptable that the Turkish government is restricting young people's rights and freedoms, and attempting to silence them through arrests and further repression. We stand in full solidarity with youth organizations in Türkiye in their struggle for a democratic society and strongly support our partner GoFor’s demands for the protection of democratic rights.

Since its foundation ten years ago, the independent Turkish youth council GoFor has been tirelessly committed to democracy, human rights, and increasing youth participation in Türkiye. We stand firmly by the side of our partner youth council GoFor and all young people in Türkiye who are fighting for democracy, freedom, and human rights. Our full solidarity goes especially to those who are subjected to state persecution and repression.

The situation of civil society in Türkiye is part of a broader trend that we have been observing in several European countries for years. The phenomenon of increasing restrictions on civil society spaces, known as "Shrinking Spaces," has reached alarming levels. Youth councils and youth organizations, which play a crucial role in political and social development as civil society actors, are particularly affected. They are facing growing pressure—whether through restrictive legislation, financial cutbacks, or direct and indirect interference in their work.