Turkish police detained 12 human rights activists, including the Turkey head of rights group Amnesty International, Idil Eser.

The detentions took place during a meeting of human rights defenders in Buyukada Island, Istanbul. It was not clear why they were held. Among those detained were two foreign trainers – a German and a Swedish national – as well as the hotel owner.

Amnesty International called for immediate release of all the people detained during the digital security and information management workshop. 

"This is a grotesque abuse of power and highlights the precarious situation facing human rights activists in the country. Idil Eser and those detained with her, must be immediately and unconditionally released," said Amnesty's Secretary General Salil Shetty.