Infowelat Enformasyon Ji Bo Welat
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The detention of Heval Aslan has sparked outrage, with demands for her immediate release and an end to the suppression of Kurdish media workers. Advocates are calling on Belgium to uphold her human rights and protect freedom of expression by halting her deportation.
On September 23, 2025, Kurdish journalist and Medya Haber TV presenter Heval Aslan was detained by Belgian police at a station in Ninove, where she had been summoned. She was subsequently transferred to a deportation detention center, raising concerns about her human rights and freedom of expression.
Heval Aslan, who has lived in France for 40 years and worked in Kurdish media for 23 years, began her career with Medya TV and now serves at Medya Haber TV. Her work has made significant contributions to Kurdish media, but her journalism has led to her being targeted by Turkey, where she is a wanted person despite not having visited the country in years. Turkey’s criminalization of the Kurdish struggle for freedom has led to the imprisonment of many journalists, including those like Aslan who advocate for their people’s rights.
Although Aslan held residency rights in France, an arrest warrant issued by Turkey prevented her from renewing her passport, resulting in the loss of her residency status. She applied for asylum in Belgium to seek protection. However, on September 22, Ninove police visited her address, and after she voluntarily went to the station, she was detained. Reports indicate she is now being targeted for extradition to France without legal justification.
Aslan’s lawyers have condemned the Belgian authorities for failing to follow proper asylum procedures and attempting to strip her of her residency rights. Aslan, who experienced oppression and violence as a child in Turkey, fears similar mistreatment in France and does not wish to return.
The detention of Heval Aslan has sparked outrage, with demands for her immediate release and an end to the suppression of Kurdish media workers. Advocates are calling on Belgium to uphold her human rights and protect freedom of expression by halting her deportation.
Infowelat
Photo: Heval Aslan
