How to support political prisoners in Turkey from abroad

In recent years, Turkey has become one of the leading countries in the world for imprisoning political dissidents, journalists, academics, and civil society members. Thousands of individuals have been detained under vague charges, such as “terrorism” or “insulting the president,” often without due process or evidence. These individuals are not criminals, they are political prisoners whose only “crime” was to speak up, resist authoritarianism, or practice their beliefs.

For people living abroad, especially in democratic societies, the situation may seem distant—but your support can make a difference. Organizations like Advocates of Silenced Turkey are working tirelessly to raise global awareness, offer legal and psychological support , and advocate for the release of political prisoners.

If you're wondering how to support political prisoners in Turkey from abroad, here are tangible actions you can take—because silence helps the oppressor, never the oppressed.

1. Understand the Crisis: Who Are the Political Prisoners?

Since the failed coup attempt in July 2016, the Turkish government has carried out an extensive purge across civil society. Under the pretext of national security, more than 600,000 people have been detained, and hundreds of thousands have been imprisoned.

Political prisoners in Turkey include:

• Journalists exposing government corruption
  
  

• Academics signing peace petitions
  
  

• Teachers accused of affiliation with banned groups
  
  

• Human rights defenders
  
  

• Religious minorities and activists
  
  

• Politicians from opposition parties and lawyers
  
  

Understanding that this is a human rights crisis, not a national security one, is the first step to becoming an effective advocate.

2. Raise Awareness on Social Media

Social media remains a powerful tool for activism. Share verified stories and data about political prisoners in Turkey using hashtags like:

• #SilencedTurkey
  
  

• #FreePoliticalPrisoners
  
  

• #HumanRightsTurkey
  
  

Highlight individual stories when possible. Putting a face to a name helps humanize the struggle and gather more empathy and support.

Advocates of Silenced Turkey frequently share up-to-date information, testimonies, and advocacy campaigns on their platforms. Follow and amplify their content to expand their reach.

3. Support NGOs Like Advocates of Silenced Turkey

Advocates of Silenced Turkey is a U.S.-based non-profit dedicated to defending human rights, promoting democracy, and supporting victims of political repression in Turkey.

By supporting AST, you’re helping them:

• Provide legal aid to imprisoned individuals and their families
  
  

• Document and report human rights violations
  
  

• Engage in policy advocacy in Washington, D.C., and beyond
  
  

• Host educational events, webinars, and public forums
  
  

You can support them by:

• Making a donation
  
  

• Volunteering time or professional services
  
  

• Becoming a monthly contributor to fund long-term projects
  
  

Even small contributions can help cover the legal fees, translation of case files, or basic needs for families left behind.

4. Write Letters to Prisoners

Many political prisoners in Turkey are held in isolation or in harsh conditions. A letter from abroad can lift their spirits, give them hope, and show that they are not forgotten.

Tips for writing:

• Keep the tone supportive and encouraging
  
  

• Avoid discussing politics explicitly, as letters are monitored
  
  

• Include your name and country to emphasize international attention
  
  

Before sending, check with NGOs like AST to ensure proper delivery methods and safety protocols. Having letters from abroad could be another reason of torture for the prisoners. They should ask the NGO to learn who is willing to receive such a letter. Instead of writing letters to the prisoner they may write to Turkish authorities about releasing of especially sick and elderly prisoners.

5. Contact Elected Officials

Lobbying your government can be a highly effective way to put pressure on Turkey. Contact your:

• Senators and Representatives (in the U.S.)
  
  

• Foreign Affairs Committee members
  
  

• Embassies or consulates
  
  

Ask them to:

• Condemn the detention of political prisoners in Turkey
  
  

• Press for the release of specific individuals posted at AST social media accounts.
  
  

• Impose or uphold Magnitsky-style sanctions on human rights violators
  
  

• Support human rights conditions on foreign aid to Turkey
  
  

Use data and real-life examples from Advocates of Silenced Turkey reports to strengthen your message.

6. Attend and Promote Advocacy Events

Keep an eye out for:

• Webinars

• Panel discussions

• Documentary Screening

• Exhibition of Silent Scream Event

• Peaceful protests

• Petition drives

• Art or photography exhibits highlighting injustice
  
  

These events often provide direct ways to get involved, build coalitions, and influence public opinion. If you can’t attend in person, share the event online or host your own local awareness session using AST’s materials.

7. Sign and Share Petitions

Petitions still matter—especially when they are delivered to international bodies, parliaments, or human rights organizations.

Organizations like Silenced Turkey regularly launch petitions targeting:

• The Turkish government
  
  

• The European Union
  
  

• The United Nations Human Rights Council
  
  

• The U.S. Department of State
  
  

Sign, share, and encourage your network to take part. The more signatures, the louder the message.

8. Educate Your Community

Start where you are. Many people remain unaware of the situation in Turkey or have a distorted picture shaped by pro-government narratives. Host a discussion group, deliver a presentation, or write a letter to your local newspaper or school board.

Use fact-based content from organizations like Advocates of Silenced Turkey to back your message. Helping one more person understand the depth of this crisis can ripple outward into broader action.

Silence is not an option

The erosion of democracy and human rights in Turkey affects not only Turkish citizens but the global community as a whole. Political prisoners in Turkey are isolated, but they are not alone. When international voices speak up, governments take notice. When global citizens act, injustice cannot hide in silence.

By supporting Advocates of Silenced Turkey, raising awareness, and taking action from wherever you are, you become part of a movement that defies tyranny and demands freedom.

Let your voice be louder than the silence they are forced to endure.