Main opposition CHP calls on Russia to free Turkish activist

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

A demonstrator holds picture of Greenpeace activist Gizem Akhan.

Deputy Chairman of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Gürsel Tekin has sent a letter to the Russian Embassy in Turkey, urging the release of Greenpeace activist Gizem Akhan and other members of the organization, as well as for immediate action against a possible oil spill. 

“We stand in solidarity with the Arctic 30, a group of Greenpeace activists including Gizem Akhan from Turkey and two freelance photo journalists detained in Russia after a peaceful protest against Gazprom’s reckless Arctic oil drilling plans,” Tekin said in a written statement released by the CHP’s press office on Oct. 11.

While noting the consequences of an oil spill in the area would be “catastrophic,” Tekin reiterated that it needed urgent action. 

Immediate release of all detainees demanded

“We demand the immediate release of all detainees, as well as the Greenpeace international ship Arctic Sunrise, and a ban on oil drilling in the icy waters of the Arctic, where it is not possible to respond adequately to a spill,” Tekin concluded. 

In a recent interview published by daily Hürriyet on Oct. 9, activist Akhan’s mother Tülay Akhan said they were in contact with Turkey’s consulate in Russia to get information about the welfare of their daughter. 

“Gizem has met a diplomat from the St. Petersburg Consulate-General. She told them ‘My mother must have been very worried. I am fine,’” Akhan said.