Famous NBA star and human rights advocate Enes Kanter Freedom, in his speech at the demonstration held in front of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), stated that they want the voice of the innocent in prisons to be heard by the ECHR now.
Freedom, who pointed out the oppression that has been going on for years in Turkey and delivered his speech in both English and Turkish, emphasized that there is nothing left in the name of democracy in the country. Emphasizing that many innocent people, from babies to the elderly, are unlawfully convicted in prisons, Freedom noted the following:
”Thousands of our brothers and sisters came to the ECHR today. They are trying to be the voice of the oppressed and victimized in Turkey with one voice, one heart. I am very happy to be among these brothers and sisters. When I first heard about the program, I really wanted to come. I flew here from New York. Just being with our brothers and sisters here gives great morale and motivation. We haven’t forgotten our brothers inside and they are not forgotten. You are not alone.”
Evaluating the European Court of Human Rights’ decision today, almost 8 years after journalist Hidayet Karaca’s application, Enes Kanter Freedom stated, “We expect the ECHR to act swiftly. 8 years is not a short period. Our brother Hidayet waited for 8 years. Many of our brothers and sisters have been in prison for years.”
Freedom also expressed that he hasn’t seen his family for many years, but he has a very large family abroad.