PSI demands release of Turkish Union Leaders detained by Israel
EPSU Executive Committe member and President of PSI affiliate Hizmet-İş of Mahmut Arslan was detained by Israeli forces in international water on 19 May 2026 while sailing to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. The Deputy General Secretary of Hak-İş, Fatma Zengin, was earlier detained on another boat.
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Leo Hyde
There's no available information on their current whereabouts or condition.
EPSU has written to EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas expressing serious concern following their detention. Jan Willem Goudriaan, EPSU General Secretary, called on the EU to use all appropriate diplomatic channels to ensure their safety, secure information on their situation, and support their safe return.
We demand the immediate release of our members, along with all others of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Read the letters sent to Ms Kallas here.