Mine workers and spouses detained at Akköprü; lawyer says they plan to join rally

Mine workers and their relatives waiting at Akköprü Metro Station were detained during the fourth day of protests by the Independent Mine Workers' Union in front of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Earlier, numerous workers including General Chairman Gökay Çakır and Organizational Specialist Başaran Aksu had been detained. Miners from Elazığ Eti Gümüş under Yıldızlar SSS Holding and workers from Doruk Mining are protesting to demand payment of their outstanding wages. The union's lawyer, Lütfi Sabri Batı, stated on social media that "We know they are being held in custody because they announced their plans to participate in the 'Turkey Ready for the Future' rally that the President will also attend" and added "We intend to participate in this rally, even if with a delegation." Immediately following this statement, worker relatives at Akköprü were also detained. The total number of people detained since the first day of the protest remains unclear.