Council of Europe Criticizes Turkey Over Activist Arrest

The Council of Europe sharply criticized Turkey on Friday for the arrest of Enes Hocaogullari, a 23-year-old human rights and LGBTQ+ activist who was detained after speaking out against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a Council session in Strasbourg. Hocaogullari, who served as Turkey’s youth delegate to the Council, was apprehended at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport in August and charged with 'publicly disseminating misleading information' and 'inciting hatred and enmity among the public.' His arrest followed a speech in which he condemned the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and other opposition figures, as well as alleged police violence during subsequent protests.

Marc Cools, president of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, led a fact-finding mission to Ankara, meeting with Turkish officials, civil society groups, and Hocaogullari himself in prison. Cools stated, 'Silencing Enes is silencing youth — and silencing youth is silencing democracy itself.' The Council delegation found no legal justification for Hocaogullari’s prosecution or pretrial detention, warning that criminalizing dissent has a chilling effect on society. The group called for all charges to be dropped and for Hocaogullari’s immediate release ahead of his first court hearing, scheduled for September 8.

Political Context and International Response

The arrest of Hocaogullari comes amid a broader crackdown on opposition voices in Turkey. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent rival to Erdogan and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate, was arrested in March on corruption charges he denies. Several other CHP officials have also been detained. Critics, including human rights organizations and opposition parties, argue that these arrests are politically motivated efforts to suppress dissent following significant opposition gains in recent local elections. The Turkish government insists the judiciary is independent and that the cases are legitimate corruption investigations.

Independent international media and rights groups have highlighted a pattern of shrinking space for dissent in Turkey, especially under Erdogan’s rule. The Council of Europe’s intervention is notable for its direct language and for challenging the Turkish government’s narrative. The Council’s statement emphasized that Hocaogullari’s activities as a youth delegate and human rights defender are protected under the European Convention on Human Rights, and that disagreement should be met with dialogue, not imprisonment.

Propaganda and Narrative Control

Official Turkish statements have denied any political motivation, framing the arrests as part of routine legal processes. However, independent observers point to the use of broad legal charges such as 'spreading misleading information' and 'inciting hatred,' which are frequently criticized by international watchdogs as tools for silencing dissent. The government’s narrative often employs appeals to national security and public order, while dismissing international criticism as interference in domestic affairs. These tactics reflect a broader pattern of emotional appeals and attempts to delegitimize opposition voices, which are common features of state propaganda in countries with declining press freedom.

The Council of Europe’s fact-finding mission, which included meetings with Turkish officials, civil society, and the activist himself, concluded that the prosecution of Hocaogullari is a clear attempt to criminalize legitimate speech. The delegation’s public statements and press conference in Ankara were delivered in both English and Turkish, underscoring the international concern over Turkey’s human rights record. The case is seen as a test of Turkey’s commitment to democratic norms and its obligations under European human rights law.