Turkey: Detention of Ms Seher Tümer

We would like to bring your attention to the case of Ms Seher Tümer, Branch Secretary of PSI affiliate SES (Trade union of public employees in health and social services), Turkey.
Seher Tümer was arrested  shortly after taking part in the celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2009 and the Newroz Spring festival on 22 March. She has also been active in denouncing a high mortality rate at Zekai Tahir Burak, the Women’s Health Research and Education Hospital. PSI believes that her arrest is  linked to these activities. She has now spent almost seven months in a high security prison with limited access to lawyers and there are serious concerns about her health and the conditions of detention.
PSI wrote to the Turkish Prime Minister on 22 October, the day before she was due to appear in court. However, she is still in custody and her next court appearance will be on 19 November. We are therefore asking PSI affiliates to write to the Turkish authorities asking them to release Seher Tümer. Please find attached a model letter.

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