Turkey Tightens Security and Detains Critics Ahead of NATO Summit
Turkey has intensified its crackdown on dissent ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, drawing criticism from human rights groups and some Western officials as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to host alliance leaders.
Authorities have banned public demonstrations, increased security across the capital and detained more than 200 people in recent weeks, including journalists, opposition activists and comedian Deniz Goktas. Turkish officials say the arrests are part of anti-terrorism operations and are unrelated to the summit.
Speaking before the summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that democracy extends beyond elections, highlighting the importance of freedom of expression, independent media and the right to peaceful protest. Rights organisations argue that the recent arrests reflect a broader erosion of democratic freedoms in Turkey.
Despite ongoing concerns over human rights, NATO leaders are expected to focus discussions on defence spending, support for Ukraine, regional security and strengthening alliance unity amid rising global tensions.
