A British woman has initiated a hunger strike following her unexplained detention upon arrival in Ankara to protest the NATO summit this week, as reported by her representatives.
Ella Vivier, a 26-year-old neuroscience graduate from Brighton, heeded the call from various Turkish political groups, civil society organizations, and trade unions to demonstrate against the summit in the Turkish capital.
The NATO summit, which commenced on Tuesday, saw the participation of global leaders such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump. Vivier, employed as a support worker for vulnerable children, was apprehended around 9 pm on Sunday, alongside three other protestors, according to her legal representatives in Ankara.
Following their arrest without justification, all four individuals commenced a hunger strike on Monday. The detention lacked clarity as no reason or legal basis was provided at the time of Vivier’s detainment. Allegations of association with an illegal group were mentioned by authorities, but no corroborating evidence was found in the investigation documentation.
Despite not being charged with a crime, Vivier is under investigation for allegedly inciting provocative activities during the NATO summit. Nevertheless, the specific offense of “initiating provocative actions” is not recognized under Turkish law.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed their assistance to the British woman’s family and ongoing communication with local authorities. Vivier’s partner expressed difficulties in establishing contact with her and voiced concerns about her placement in a counter-terror cell without direct access to the embassy.
The detainment has been deemed unlawful, occurring preemptively before any criminal acts were committed, violating fundamental human rights. Vivier and her fellow internationalists have protested their detention conditions by engaging in hunger strikes since their arrest.
Brighton Pavilion Green MP Sian Berry has been in contact with Vivier’s family to offer support and ensure her safe return to the UK. Allegations of human rights violations during Vivier’s arrest, transportation, and medical examination have raised concerns regarding her legal rights and well-being.
The situation has prompted calls for an immediate, impartial investigation to address the alleged violations comprehensively.
