Statement by the Spokesperson on the reported detention of the h

We have learned with concern from media reports and from Amnesty International that the Head of Amnesty International in Turkey, lawyer and human rights defender Taner Kılıҫ, was detained on recently. We call on the Turkish authorities to clarify the charges swiftly, in line with the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. In particular, it is important to fully respect the presumption of innocence. Amnesty International is an internationally highly respected member of civil society which is a key pillar of democracy.

The European Union is monitoring the on-going procedure closely.