International Migrants Alliance (IMA)
Statement for the Immediate and Unconditional Release of Onder Dolutas
29 July 2008

We Call for the Immediate and Unconditional Release of Onder Dolutas!
Stop Criminalization of Migrants and Refugees!

The International Migrants Alliance, a global alliance of more than a hundred organizations of migrants, immigrants and refugees from 25 countries worldwide, condemn the unjust arrest and continued detention of Mr. Onder Dolutas. Mr. Dolutas is one of the leaders of migrants and refugee groups from Turkey based in Europe - the Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe (ATIK). ATIK is one of the founding members of the IMA.

The unjust arrest and detention of Mr. Dolutas is a manifestation of the way governments in Europe like Germany treats migrants and refugees as criminals. We view this as a form of harassment to silence the growing movement of migrants and refugees in Europe. This is also another form of attack on human rights defenders.

Mr. Dolutas must be immediately released from prison.

According to ATIK, Mr. Dolutas is a 30 year old British citizen of Turkish origin who was unjustly arrested and detained by German authorities last 23 May 2008 upon his arrival at Frankfurt Han airport in Germany. He went to Germany from London to visit friends and family. His arrest follows a request from the Turkish authorities for his extradition. He was arrested on trumped up charges in Turkey and his case is not even a concern or related to his stay in Germany. He has been kept in custody in the Koblenz region of Germany since his arrest.

As a British citizen, Mr. Dolutas has all the legal rights to be protected and must be under the responsibility of the government of the United Kingdom.

However, the UK government is silent on the case of Mr. Dolutas. Their silence shows that Mr. Dolutas, a British citizen was neglected and betrayed by its own government. Worse, the UK government tolerated and collaborated with the Turkish and German government in violating the human rights of Mr. Dolutas. These in-action and intra-government collaboration to suppress the right of Mr. Dolutas is condemnable.

Lastly, we believe that Mr. Dolutas right to choose where he wants to stay must be respected and the UK government must not discriminate against Mr. Dolutas. Instead, the UK government must extend all legal protection and assistance to Mr. Dolutas, the same thing as what they are doing to other citizens abroad.

Release Dolutas, NOW!
No to Criminalization of Migrants and Refugees!
Defend the Human Rights Defenders!