European Parliament Member Costas Mavrides stated that in Turkey, the judicial power has become an instrument used by the government to impose its own political desires, that the country is ruled by a cruel regime, and that people have no hope of a fair trial.
Activists, journalists, and politicians from different countries around the world announced their support for the justice march organized by the Peaceful Actions Platform in Strasbourg, France “, which was attended by thousands of people”, both by participating in person and by sending messages.
Some of the messages broadcast on screens set up in the area are as follows:
European Parliament Member Costas Mavrides:
“There is a country in our region where being a journalist or an academic is so dangerous that you can find yourself in prison at any moment. There, as a Kurd, or even more simply, as a person who supports democracy and justice, you can easily be accused of being a terrorist or a traitor. There is a country in our region where hundreds of public employees have been dismissed from their jobs without fair trial. There is a country in our region where members of parliament are imprisoned and elected mayors are removed from office and replaced with ‘pawns of the regime’. There is a country in our region where judicial power has become an instrument used by the government to impose its own political desires. This country is Turkey, a place ruled by a cruel regime where people don’t even have hope for a fair trial. We cannot remain silent! Staying silent is equivalent to being complicit in the crimes committed against those living in Turkey and all of humanity.”
Cuban human rights defender and internationally awarded journalist Abraham Jimenez Enoa, “” I want to address the Turkish people. May they continue to fight for their freedoms, rights, and a better future. Long live freedom, long live democracy.“”
Leopoldo Lopez, the leader of the Venezuelan Opposition Party, emphasized that autocrats work together, and those who want freedom and democracy should also fight together.
Lopez said, “Today, I want to send my strength and hope to everyone gathered in Strasbourg for the freedom that the people of Turkey need. We stand in solidarity with you and hope that you are also in solidarity with the people of Venezuela.”
“” EVERYONE IS EQUAL BEFORE THE ECHR ARTICLES “”
Joshua Cooper, an academic from Hawaii Pacific University, human rights lawyer, and activist, noted the following:
“Everyone is equal before the ECHR articles. Unfortunately, we know that these rights are being violated in Turkey these days. On the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we stand in solidarity with you on behalf of the social state to ensure that all people can use the 30th article of this declaration as well as all articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.”
“I SUPPORT EVERYONE SUFFERING UNDER THE REGIME IN TURKEY”
Ukrainian journalist Irina Senelnik emphasized that being a free journalist in authoritarian countries is always dangerous. Senelnik said, “” Being a journalist in war is also dangerous. During the war in Ukraine “, Russia continues to kill not only Ukrainian but also foreign journalists. More than 60” journalists have been killed in the war that has been ongoing in Ukraine since February 24, 2022 “. International organizations should not remain passive on this issue because whether in Turkey” or Ukraine, everyone believes in justice and freedom. I am sure that press freedom, freedom of expression, and human rights are the foundation of the free world. Violations of press freedom and human rights are worrying signals for the development of democracy. I want to express my support for everyone suffering under the regime in Turkey “, especially the journalists in prison. I call on the ECtHR” to fulfill its duty and put an end to these violations.“”
“” SILENCE FEEDS THE OPPRESSOR “”
Viviane Titelbaum, Vice President of the Brussels Francophone Parliament, stated that she could not physically participate in the protest but wanted to make her voice heard for those oppressed under the Erdoğan regime in Turkey.
Titelbaum said, “As someone descended from Holocaust survivors, my legacy is to not remain silent in the face of discrimination, oppression, and human rights violations. It is our responsibility to fight for the rule of law and justice. We must confront and condemn those responsible for crimes, arbitrary arrests, or torture. Never abandon the victims of a tyrant. We must raise our voices and be a voice for democracy because silence always feeds the oppressor. Together, we must be that powerful voice that overcomes silence.”
Belgian Senator Simone Susskind also expressed solidarity with everyone unjustly imprisoned in Turkey, convicted through trials without legal justification, and imprisoned for their thoughts. Susskind said, “It is never acceptable for men and women with different views from the regime to be unable to express themselves freely.”
