THE leader of one of Turkey’s largest trade unions was detained for the second time in two days today for charges of “violating the freedom to work” amid the country’s crackdown on industrial action.

Birtek-Sen general secretary Mehmet Turkmen was first detained on Friday in the city of Gaziantep after leaving his home following a complaint from the employer of Sireci Textile, the owner of several factories facing union-led protests over low wages.

During his interrogation, Mr Turkmen was questioned about his social media posts.

After being released, Mr Turkmen was rearrested today while meeting workers at the union office.

As he was taken into custody, Mr Turkmen said: “I am being detained once again at the request of the bosses.

“I will be back. The struggle continues!”

Birtek-Sen condemned the arrest, saying in a statement: “If you think you can break us with arrests and threats, you are mistaken!

“Despite all repression and intimidation, we call on all workers, especially those in Baspinar, to unite under our union.

“We will teach you that unionising is a fundamental right!”

About 3,000 workers across 20 factories in the region have been striking for wage increases.