A Munich court in Germany sentenced 10 Turkish activists who were convicted of accusations of supporting the TKP/ML (Turkish Communist Party – Marxist-Leninist.). Dr. Banu Büyükavcı is among those activists and was given a decision of deportation and sentenced to 3 years and 6 months. Büyükavcı spoke to Yeni Özgür Politika regarding the decision of deportation given against her.
Four of the 10 activists had been arrested outside Germany and extradited there, even though they were not accused of committing any crimes in Germany. Instead, they were tried under the infamous section 129 a/b of German law, the “anti-terror” provision that provides for prosecution in Germany for the actions of political parties and movements around the world. Many parties and political activists in Germany have long called for this provision to be struck off, as it has been used repeatedly to suppress people’s movements and justify political persecution.
Hundreds took to the streets of Munich to protest against the decision to jail 10 Turkish political activists, who were sentenced to prison sentences of between 2.5 and 6.5 years, while known Nazis have been sentenced for much less.
“Deportation is a political decision”
Deportation processes have been initiated in Nuremberg against Dr. Sinan Aydin, who has been living and working in Germany since 2012, and Dr. Dilay Banu Büyükavcı, who has been living in Bavaria in the south-east of Germany since 2005 and working as a psychotherapist at the Nuremberg Clinic.
Referring to the deportation procedures of two other Turkish activists, Sinan Aydın and Musa Demir, Büyükavcı stated, “There are restrictions imposed upon them, banning them from entering the borders of Germany for 20 years. No such ban of entry that prohibits such entry to Germany for such a long time has been given to anyone in Germany.”
“If we cannot fight together, we cannot be prepared for what will happen tomorrow. The decision of deportation is based on political and economic relations of Germany with Turkey. German government sees us as a threat,” she said.
“Solidarity gives me strength”
Protesting against the conduct of the trial – especially against Dr. Banu Büyükavcı – to organise public protest and denunciations, the initiative “Solidarity Alliance with Banu” was founded with the call for support from all revolutionary, democratic, progressive institutions and activists.
Demonstrations have been held in Nuremberg weekly every Wednesday, to raise awareness and solidarity with Büyükavcı and to demand the local authorities in Nuremberg act to stop the deportation process.
“The demonstrations has attracted much more attention than we expected. Hundreds of people have come together for me despite the pandemic. The statements issued and letters coming from various worker unions and parties show that they behind me. This solidarity gives me stregth,” Büyükavcı said. “Surely that will also be effective for the case. I thank all those who show their solidarity and I feel that I am not alone.”
