The first hearing of the case against 72 executives and members of KESK (Confederation of Public Workers' Unions) and unions affiliated to it will be held on Wednesday. The unionists to be tried, including KESK President Lami Özgen, are accused of being members of the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK).

72 unionists were taken into custody as a result of the "KCK/Democratic Labor Platform" operation which was carried out in the provinces of Ankara, Diyarbakır, İstanbul, Ağrı, Bitlis, Siirt, Adana and Eskişehir on 25 June 2012.

Following the two general strikes KESK organized against the law on trade unions on 21 December 2011 and 23 May 2012, the Confederation has been targeted by four expansive operations in the last one year.

One unionist was taken into custody in the first operation on 13 January 2012 which was followed by another on 13 February 2013 when 15 woman members of KESK were arrested. The third so-called KCK operation which was carried out on 25 June 2012 ended up with the detention of 72 KESK members including President Lami Özgen. Some of these detainees were sent to prison. 149 people were taken into custody in the forth operation against the confederation which was carried out under the name of “DHKP-C operation” on 19 February. 55 among them were arrested on 23 February.

The trial of KESK members is of importance for the ongoing process for a permanent solution to the Kurdish question in consideration of the fact that KESK has been giving a struggle siding with a democratic solution to the long-lasting problem. One other significant side of the trial on 10 April is related with Lami Özgen who is also taking part in the Commission of Wise People recently established to serve for the negotiation process.

People's Democratic Congress (HDK) has called for mass participation in the solidarity meeting in front of the Courthouse of Ankara where the hearing will be held on 10 April. A number of national and international unions, NGOs and political parties are expected to support the unionist on the day of the hearing.

Seven and a half to 15 years in prison is asked for the 72 unionists who are accused of being members of an armed illegal organization.