SOS FOR TURKIYE

Mayis 2013

The Turkish people are saying "Stop!" to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his government's policies. Turkey, a secular republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 90 years ago, has undergone significant changes over the past 11 years under Erdoğan’s mildly Islamic Justice and Development Party (AKP). These changes have now reached a critical point, where citizens’ personal rights and freedom of speech are being severely restricted. The media, legal authorities, and key positions across the country have been quietly or overtly taken over by AKP loyalists. Many Turks are shocked to see how little remains of Atatürk’s vision of a progressive, civilized society.

A civil movement, sparked by a small group of peaceful protesters at Taksim Gezi Park, has gained widespread support. Initially, the protest opposed the government’s plan to demolish a recreational area to build a shopping mall. However, it has since grown into something much larger—an outpouring of frustration that people have suppressed for a decade against Erdoğan’s authoritarian rule. Erdoğan often defends his policies by pointing to the electoral support of half the population, but he consistently disregards the other half. Even some of his former supporters now express dismay, saying they never expected him to take things this far. His rhetoric increasingly sows division, hatred, and unrest across the nation.

Right now, Turkey is witnessing disturbing events. Thousands of citizens are taking to the streets to exercise their right to free expression, but they are met with excessive force from the Turkish police. Tear gas, water cannons, and even orange gas are being deployed against unarmed protesters—families, young women, elderly people, students, workers, children, and grandparents alike. From their balconies, residents bang pots and pans in solidarity. These citizens, without masks, weapons, or protective gear, stand defenseless, relying solely on their voices. Yet, the police, following orders, are determined to prevent gatherings. Across 65 cities in Turkey, law enforcement is using brutal tactics against innocent people—beating them severely, injuring thousands, and detaining many. Those taken into custody have their cell phones confiscated and are forced to sign forms falsely stating that their devices were returned, as a condition of release. Worse still, they are coerced under threat to sign documents labeling them as members of so-called "terrorist" groups.

The AKP government appears to be using these tactics to blacklist anti-AKP citizens, likely gathering data from seized phones. Police are even stationed at hospital emergency rooms, intercepting injured protesters and sending them to headquarters before they can receive medical care. The Turkish media remains silent, and officials are turning a blind eye. Turkey urgently needs the support of the international community and global media to amplify what is happening.

I am a Turkish citizen living in Perth, Western Australia, and I appeal for your help in raising awareness about this struggle against fascism. Please stand with the Turkish people and help us share our story with the world.

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