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Turkey Faces Scrutiny Over Crackdown on Dissidents Amid Economic and Political Developments
ISTANBUL – Turkey is facing increasing scrutiny over its human rights record and internal policies amidst a backdrop of complex economic and political developments. Concerns are mounting following reports of a Turkish lawyer detained in Mozambique and denied access to legal counsel, further fueling criticism of the government’s ongoing crackdown on alleged Gülen movement members.
Emre Çınar, a Turkish lawyer living in Mozambique since 2017, was detained on December 30th following an extradition request from Ankara. He is accused of links to the Gülen movement. Rights groups are expressing alarm over Çınar’s situation, claiming he has been denied access to lawyers and family. They are demanding that Mozambican authorities ensure due process and adhere to international laws prohibiting the extradition of individuals to countries where they face persecution. Allegations have emerged that President Erdoğan personally requested Çınar’s “elimination” during a 2017 visit to Mozambique, with further pressure exerted by Turkish officials in exchange for counterterrorism support.
The case highlights Turkey’s increasingly assertive pursuit of perceived dissidents abroad, employing tactics ranging from surveillance and intimidation to alleged illegal renditions. This follows a pattern of targeting individuals accused of Gülen links since the 2016 coup attempt, which the government blames on the movement. The Gülen movement denies any involvement.
Domestically, Turkey is grappling with a range of challenges. A report documented widespread violence against women in 2025, indicating the urgency of this issue. The Court of Accounts has uncovered unlawful payments at the state-owned, loss-making gas company BOTAŞ. Recent minimum wage hikes of 27 percent have drawn criticism. The central bank continues to lower interest rates, the current rate is 38 percent. Additionally, a controversial “Gaza march” in Istanbul, organized by allies of President Erdoğan, has been condemned for excluding critics of the government’s trade relations with Israel.
Despite these issues, Turkey has secured a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction with $11 billion in energy and airport deals. Foreign-owned firms have grown, representing a significant portion of business turnover. Turkey is also reportedly ensuring the continued flow of Russian gas to Hungary.
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