BRITISH trade unionists, academics and politicians will come together with their Turkish counterparts to discuss the fight for democracy against authoritarian rule.

The conference aims to provide an opportunity to hear from those who have experienced “the reality of life” under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s regime and to build international solidarity.

Labour MEP Julie Ward, Unite international director Simon Dubbins and the Morning Star’s Steve Sweeney will be speaking at the annual Solidarity with the People Of Turkey (Spot) conference.

Evrensel newspaper’s political editor Cagri Sari will also be speaking at a workshop to discuss media censorship. Ms Sari has been accused of “insult and defamation” over two articles and faces jail for up to six years in Turkey.

Spot spokesman Arif Bektas told the Star yesterday that Turkey is increasingly becoming a “one-man, one party” state, as world leaders continue to sell weapons to and “tip-toe around” the country’s human rights record.

“The battle for democracy and workers’ rights continues, and we invite all who wish to find out more to join us,” he said.

The event starts at 11am on Saturday February 9 at the National Education Union’s London headquarters.