IAHRA Geneva has received credible information and requested the intervention of relevant authorities on the situation of Ms. Aslı Ünlü in Turkey.

Ms. Aslı Ünlü, 40 years old pregnant woman, was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months of prison by the Izmir 21st Criminal Court for using Bylock (smart-phone application) and sent to a prison in western Edirne province on April 10, 2022. The Court of appeal upheld her sentence and denied her request for release on April 25, 2022.

Aslı Ünlü is 5 months pregnant, with high risk of miscarriage and her 4 years old son had a heavy surgery 10 days ago.

IAHRA Geneva firmly condemns the widespread practice of arbitrary detention in Turkey, particularly on individuals with health issues or on pregnant women. As of November 2021, 219 pregnant women and women with children under 6 were arbitrary detained over alleged links with the Gülen Movement. One shall note that Turkish criminal law provisions set that sentences of pregnant women shall be postponed.

IAHRA Geneva urges the Turkish authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ms. Aslı Ünlü;

1. Put an end to its unanimously condemned practice of abuse of its anti-terror legislation;

2. Put an end to its widespread practice of arbitrary detention;

3. Immediately and unconditionally release Ms. Aslı Ünlü.

Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more.

Bill clinton