Yiğit Ali Ekmekci is one of the founders of many educational institutions including Istanbul Bilgi University and Nesin Foundation, he is an active member and supporter of civil society initiatives in Turkey. He is currently the deputy chair of Anadolu Kültür and an executive board member of Terakki Foundation Schools', as well as the member of governing boards of several NGOs in Turkey.
Human rights defenders (HRDs) in Turkey have been subjected to judicial harassment, including criminal prosecution, violent attacks, threats, surveillance, prolonged arbitrary detention, and ill-treatment. In the aftermath of an attempted coup in July 2016, the environment for the work of HRDs deteriorated even further.
