British neuroscience graduate Ella Vivier, 26, has initiated a hunger strike after being detained by Turkish police on Sunday, July 5, ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. The summit, which began on Tuesday, has drawn world leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump.
Detention and Hunger Strike
Vivier, a support worker for vulnerable children from Brighton, was detained at approximately 9pm on Sunday alongside three other protesters. According to her legal representatives, Suheyla Oguz and Senem Doganoglu, all four detainees began a hunger strike on Monday to protest their conditions.
Her lawyers told the Press Association: "At the time of her detention, no reason or legal basis for the detention was explained to her. We were only later informed by the authorities that the investigation concerns an allegation of membership of an illegal organisation." They added that their examination of the investigation file revealed no evidence supporting this allegation.
Legal Concerns
Vivier has not been charged with any crime. The investigation is reportedly based on suspicion of "initiating provocative actions during the Nato summit," but her lawyers argue there is no such offence under Turkish criminal law. Oguz stated: "In our legal opinion, there are serious concerns regarding the lawfulness of the detention. Ella was not informed of the reasons for her detention at the time she was apprehended."
Vivier's partner, who requested anonymity, said: "No-one, except the lawyer, has been allowed [to talk to her]. She’s been held in a counter-terror cell. Even the embassy haven’t been able to speak to her directly." They described the detention as "completely unlawful" and "preventative," occurring before any protests began, and thus a violation of fundamental human rights.
Official Response
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman detained in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities." Vivier's MP, Brighton Pavilion Green Sian Berry, is also involved. A spokesperson for Berry said: "Sian is aware of their detention and is in touch with Ella’s family as her constituency MP. Sian and her casework team have already made contact with the FCDO and are doing what they can to assist Ella and her family."
Human Rights Allegations
Oguz reported that Vivier's human rights may have been violated during arrest, transport to detention, and at a hospital for a health check, where she was required to sign documents in Turkish she could not understand. Oguz stated: "These allegations raise serious concerns regarding her right to liberty and security, her right of access to legal assistance, her right to a fair trial, her right to dignity and privacy, and the prohibition of ill-treatment. We believe these allegations require a prompt, effective and independent investigation."
The Turkish authorities have been approached for comment.
