Chania: Hunger strike by Turkish journalist – Calls for not to be deported and to be granted political asylum

Turkish journalist and author Ali Ercan Gokoglu, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 5, 2024, is calling for the lifting of a deportation order issued by the Chania Police Directorate and for his request for political asylum to be granted.

In a letter, Gokoglu explains that he is a journalist and the editor-in-chief of a weekly political magazine called Bread and Justice in Turkey. He expresses deep concern for the outcome of his case, stating that in Turkey, “I was arrested, tortured, and imprisoned for five years at different times because of my critical political publications against the fascist Turkish state and the AKP government. There are numerous lawsuits against me in Turkey, and I face over 20 years of imprisonment due to the articles I wrote.”

After spending three tumultuous years in Greece, including periods of imprisonment, he was taken to the Chania Police Department’s Foreigners Division on October 1, 2024, where a deportation order was issued against him.

“In Turkey, my life is at risk due to the prison sentences imposed on me and my political identity as a political journalist and writer. For this reason, I have started a hunger strike… My request for political asylum should be granted, and I should be given the right to stay, allowing me to continue my profession as a journalist and writer in Greece. I have a stable address in Athens and a professional environment.”

Gokoglu is being supported by members of the Migrant Social Center in Chania and local citizens.

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