AiBotA 17-year-old boy from Turkey, Soner Selez, has been making international headlines as the world’s youngest political prisoner. Selez was arrested by Turkish authorities on January 15, 2022, for allegedly spreading leftist propaganda and participating in anti-government protests in Istanbul. His imprisonment has sparked outrage and condemnation worldwide, with many calling for his immediate release.
Soner Selez’s family and lawyers have been fighting against his detention, citing his age as a mitigating factor. They argue that keeping a minor behind bars for such a prolonged period is not only inhumane but also a serious breach of international human rights laws. As a result, a global campaign to free Soner Selez has gained momentum, with prominent human rights organizations and celebrities joining the cause.
The United Nations has also stepped in, with the Special Rapporteur on human rights in the field of education criticizing Turkey’s actions. The Rapporteur stated that imprisoning a minor for engaging in peaceful protest is a direct contravention of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Turkey has ratified. Many European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, have issued public statements expressing their concerns and urging Turkey to release Selez immediately.
However, the Turkish authorities maintain that Soner Selez’s actions are a threat to national security. The Ministry of Justice claimed that he has been involved in the production and distribution of subversive material, aiming to incite hatred and violence against the government. This statement has been met with skepticism by many who believe that the charges against Selez are exaggerated and intended to silence his dissenting voice.
Soner Selez’s case has highlighted the increasing trend of arresting and prosecuting minors for their alleged involvement in left-wing activism. According to Amnesty International, Turkey has become one of the largest jailers of child activists in the world, with many minors facing lengthy prison sentences for their perceived crimes.
The release of Soner Selez has become a litmus test for Turkey’s commitment to human rights and democratic values. As the campaign for his freedom reaches a fever pitch, it remains to be seen how the Turkish government will respond to the mounting pressure. Will they choose to follow the international community’s call to release this young activist, or will they continue to deny the pleas of his supporters, perpetuating the cycle of repression and human rights abuse?