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Daughter pleads for release of Australian woman arrested in Türkiye over alleged terrorism links

2024.09.27

In short:

The daughter of Cigdem Aslan, who was arrested in Türkiye last week over alleged terrorism links, has disputed the accusations against her mother and called for her release.

Ms Aslan's daughter is urging the federal government to take immediate action to secure her return.

What's next?

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is providing consular assistance to Ms Aslan but it cannot comment further.

The daughter of an Australian woman arrested in Türkiye has called on the federal government to take action to bring her mother home, describing the accusations levelled against her as "categorically false".

Cigdem Aslan's daughter, who has asked not to be named due to privacy and security concerns, said she has not had contact with her mother in close to two weeks, following her arrest in Istanbul as she tried to return home to Melbourne.

Turkish authorities have accused Ms Aslan of conducting activities for the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which is a banned terrorist organisation in Türkiye and Australia.

The group, also known as the PKK, has fought a long-running insurgency against Türkiye, which has a hardline policy against support for Kurdish groups.

"I just want her back," Ms Aslan's daughter said.

"We can't eat, we can't sleep, she's on our mind 24/7."

Ms Aslan's daughter said her mother was an active member of Melbourne's Kurdish community and had most recently been working as a bilingual health educator within migrant communities in Melbourne.

"She is not a member of any terrorist organisations, nor does she have any affiliations with terrorist organisations," she said.

"She is loved and admired by all who meet her, which is why it is so shocking to see her experience this injustice.

"My mother's compassion, humanitarian values, and beliefs have always prioritised the wellbeing of others, aiming to create a positive impact within our communities in Australia.

Kurdish community leaders in Melbourne have also disputed the accusations against Ms Aslan, suggesting they are politically motivated.

Ms Aslan's daughter said her mother had travelled to Türkiye to visit family and to buy supplies for her upcoming wedding.

"She was buying me traditional things for my henna night," she said.

"She was getting my invitations made.

"I'm getting married next year, and it's even delayed that whole process because I can't fathom the idea of my mum not being here with me during this whole process."

She said she was desperate to hear her mother's voice.

"I just hope the Australian government can check on her welfare at least, to have visit rights with her at least, and to be able to be in contact with her."

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to Ms Aslan but was unable to detail what form that assistance took.

"Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment," a spokesperson said.

Ms Aslan arrived in Australia as a refugee in 1996 and raised two children here as a single mother, her daughter said.

"It's always been me, my mum and my sister," she said.

"And to not have that strength, that support person with me by my side is very difficult."

"It's very, very difficult."