Turkey’s government is facing international scrutiny following a series of politically charged actions, including the ousting of opposition mayors and an escalating crackdown on protests. These moves, coupled with the reported deployment of advanced AI-powered surveillance, raise significant concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights in the country.

Escalating Crackdown on Opposition

Turkish authorities have intensified their pressure on the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). In a recent development, five CHP mayors were removed from office on corruption charges, which the opposition claims are politically motivated. This follows the high-profile arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March on similar allegations.

  • The Interior Ministry announced the dismissal of mayors from Avcilar, Buyukcekmece, and Gaziosmanpasa in Istanbul, and Seyhan and Ceyhan in Adana.
  • These suspensions bring the total number of CHP mayors removed from office to 11.
  • Ekrem Imamoglu’s arrest in March triggered widespread protests across Turkey.
  • CHP leader Ozgur Ozel is also under investigation for allegedly insulting a public official.

AI-Powered Surveillance and Protest Suppression

The government’s response to protests has been marked by the increasing use of advanced surveillance technologies, including AI-powered facial recognition.

  • Hundreds were detained in early morning raids following protests, with nearly 2,000 people detained in March alone.
  • Police reports show individuals identified by facial recognition technology, with photographs used as evidence for charges like participating in unauthorized assemblies.
  • Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has publicly stated ambitions to expand AI-driven security, including equipping all police officers with body cameras featuring facial recognition by the end of 2025.
  • Significant investments have been made in facial recognition capabilities, with procurement of thousands of cameras and servers for deployment across 30 provinces.
  • Human rights organizations and legal experts express concern that these technologies are being used to suppress dissent and undermine fundamental rights, with little transparency or legal oversight.
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Concerns Over Rule of Law and Human Rights

Critics argue that the recent actions by the Turkish government, including the politically motivated arrests and the use of surveillance, indicate a further erosion of the rule of law and democratic principles.

  • Lawyers highlight that evidence obtained through surveillance, particularly without clear legal frameworks, may not be admissible in court.
  • The Turkish Constitution guarantees rights such as privacy and fair trial, but broad exceptions for national security and crime prevention raise concerns about potential misuse.
  • Human Rights Watch notes that many defendants are being charged simply for being present at protests, often without evidence of violent activity.
  • The lack of transparency regarding evidence and investigation files further exacerbates concerns about due process and fair trials.

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