“Those who do not unite against fascism will meet in its prisons.”
Bertolt Brecht
Since the 2013 Gezi Resistance, we have witnessed increasing human rights violations and a growing trend of authoritarianism in Turkey. The Erdoğan government is moving further away from democracy, universal human rights, and the principle of separation of powers with each passing day, pushing the country toward a point of no return. The trustee appointments and suppression policies that have long been imposed on the Kurdish people are now being extended across Turkey, with the right to vote and be elected being increasingly usurped.
Freedom of assembly, organization, press, and expression have been severely suppressed for a long time and are nearly eradicated. The process that began with diploma annulments and the planned arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu directly targets the last remaining vestige of democracy in the country—the electoral process.
This unlawful political attack opens the door to a fully dictatorial regime. It is clear that such a system will only bring further poverty, inequality, and injustice. A regime in which even our most fundamental rights are not guaranteed is unacceptable, especially in a country like Turkey, which has a history of political struggle and resistance.
As Nor Zartonk, we condemn these anti-democratic practices targeting Ekrem İmamoğlu and other elected mayors. We once again demand the immediate release of İmamoğlu and his colleagues and call for fair and democratic elections.
For a free, equal, prosperous, and just country, we call on all our friends to stand against unlawful and anti-democratic practices and to defend their most fundamental rights and democratic will.
There is no salvation alone; either we all stand together, or none of us will!
Nor Zartonk / Նոր Զարթօնք