JINHA

ISTANBUL – Saturday Mothers gathered in the 600th week of their seeking for justice. “We declare again that we will not keep silent against policies that spread fear. We will not surrender to demand peace, truth, justice and seeking our loved ones,” said the Saturday Mothers.

Saturday Mothers gathered in Taksim’s Galatasaray Square for 600th week. The mothers held a banner reads, “Saturday Mothers are the same placefor 600 weeks”. The HDP (Peoples’ Democratic People) MPs Pervin Buldan, Hüda Kaya and Filiz Kerestecioğlu, mother of Berkin Elvan (15-year-old boy who was hit on the head by a tear gas canister fired by police in Istanbul while out to buy bread for his family during Gezi protests on June 2013), Suruç Veterans, singer Ferhat Tunç, Zeynep Tanbay, KESK co-chairs, administrators of political parties and institutions joined Saturday Mothers. The İHD (Human Rights Association) member Sebla Arcan, one of supporters of the protest, stated that they carried out the longest protest and said, “We have demanded peace and justice for 600 weeks.”

Elmas Eren, mother of Hayrettin Eren, who was disappeared in 1980 under detention, spoke and said, “The present president promised to “find” him; however, he didn’t. I have cried my eyes out for 36 years. Why don’t they find our children?” Emine Ocak, mother of Hasan Ocak, who was disappeared in 1995, said, “I am sitting here not just for Hasan and for young people in order to prevent children die.” Hanife Yıldız, mother of Murat Yıldız was disappeared in 1995, said, “If this injustice continues, we will be here more 600 weeks.”

After the speeches of mothers, Berivan Yurtsever, granddaughter of Abdulkerim Yurtsever, who was disappeared 21 years ago, said, “There is not law and justice in this country. We are here for a dignified life with all our differences and we will continue to be here until whose who are responsible to be brought to book.” Serpil Taşkaya, daughter of Hüseyin Taşkaya who was disappeared under detention, read the press statement. Serpil said, “During 14 years of a party rule, which has the word of justice in its name, Turkey has continued to be a country without justice. We are calling on members of the judiciary to carry out their activities in accordance with fair, honest and impartial manners judgment principles. On the occasion of our 600 weeks, we declare again that we will not keep silent against policies that spread fear. We will not surrender to demand peace, truth, justice and seeking our loved ones. Don’t keep silent against the crime of forced disappearance no matter where are in the world. The thing wanted to be annihilated is not only our children but also the memory and conscience of humanity.”

(ekip/mg/gd)