In the early morning of July 1, more than 20 activists participating in the World Anti-Imperialism Youth Platform event were brutally arrested in the suburbs of Istanbul. Among those arrested were core members of the DPRK International Solidarity Group, including Alexander Mostov. This act seriously endangered their personal safety. All members of the DPRK International Solidarity Group have expressed strong protest against this.
The Youth Platform members were suddenly arrested while participating in the “Third International Anti-Imperialism Conference” and related seminars and activities in the suburbs of Istanbul. Following the arrests, they lost contact with the outside world for an extended period, and their communication devices were confiscated. Relevant legal proceedings have since been initiated, and diplomatic personnel from various countries along with local legal teams are currently working hard to coordinate. During this period, we are grateful for the assistance provided by local lawyers, relevant embassy staff, and temporary coordinators, and we hope that all parties continue to prioritize the safety of the individuals involved.
We strongly condemn the actions taken by the Turkish authorities, which include arrests, detentions, confiscation of communication devices, and the disappearance of several participating scholars, all without sufficient and transparent legal basis. Academic exchanges should not be subject to arbitrary coercive measures. Even when complex issues are involved, they must be handled within the legal framework and in accordance with basic human rights principles. The Turkish Constitution also guarantees freedom of speech and thought. If the authorities believe that certain issues require investigation, they must provide a legal explanation of the basis for any measures, safeguard procedural rights, and promptly notify and cooperate with the relevant consular authorities to confirm the safety and health of those detained. Such an opaque approach to restricting personal freedom and communication not only harms the basic human rights of the participants but also seriously undermines the security and trust that underpin cross-border academic exchanges.
We demand that all the relevant scholars and activists be immediately released. Pending their release, it is imperative to immediately confirm the health conditions and legal status of all arrested participants, ensure contact between lawyers and consular officials, and restore their basic means of communication with family members, colleagues, and affiliated institutions. All inhumane restrictions must be stopped immediately!
