Amnesty chief visits jailed Turkey director in prison
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ISTANBUL – The secretary general of Amnesty International visited the rights group's jailed Turkey director Saturday and called for her release, along with seven other activists being held in pre-trial detention for allegedly aiding a terror group.
Salil Shetty said Amnesty's Idil Eser was doing well but added "The issue is really as to why she is in prison in the first instance?"
Police raided a hotel on the island of Buyukada near Istanbul in July and detained 10 activists during a workshop on digital security. Eight people, including German Peter Steudtner and Swede Ali Gharavi, were arrested. Two were released pending trial after surrendering their passports and must regularly present themselves at a police station. Germany has repeatedly called for Steudtner's release.
