Murat Kaya
Human rights activist and NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom commented on the UN report listing individuals involved in acts of torture in Turkey.
In its report released in early November, the United Nations Human Rights Committee addressed human rights violations in Turkey comprehensively, documenting instances of torture and those responsible for it.
While attending an event in Geneva, Switzerland, Kanter expressed his thoughts on the UN’s documentation of individuals involved in torture.
Kanter thanked human rights defenders who supported protests leading up to the UN decision, stating, “The image that moved me the most was of our young brothers, holding up banners taller than themselves that read ‘There is torture in Turkey.’ No amount of gratitude or prayers could be enough for them.”
Emphasizing the importance of such efforts for justice, Kanter highlighted the significance of bringing this issue to the forefront, not only in the UN but throughout Europe.
Reflecting on recent protests, events, and organizations, Kanter remarked that awareness of Turkey’s human rights violations has reached various fields:
“Right now, in the United States, we don’t even need to provide evidence to many senators and representatives. They are already aware of what’s happening in Turkey, knowing the just and unjust sides, and the acts of torture occurring there without needing proof. It was truly vital for our brothers to represent the voice of all those oppressed. With these gatherings, there will be a positive outcome for our brothers working to amplify the voices of the oppressed, and hopefully, this persecution in Turkey will end soon, God willing.”
“It was a valuable lesson for those immoral individuals from Turkey.”
Kanter found it disgraceful that Turkey’s representatives at the UN meeting denied the existence of torture, calling it “a tremendous lie” and “a great shame for our country.” He added, “I pray every day for our brothers, their families, and all their friends, near and far. As I said, it’s deeply shameful for our country. The UN made its statement, declaring that torture exists in Turkey, and the matter was closed. As for the Turkish representatives, well, we won’t say ‘Turkey’s side’ because we love our country dearly, but those immoral individuals from Turkey were taught a valuable lesson, and they left with heads hung low.”
Kanter continued his remarks:
“Over the past two years, I was shocked by a statement made to me: ‘We don’t need you to explain what’s happening in Turkey. We’re already closely following and aware of everything going on there. Just come to us with concrete project ideas on how we can help you.’ This truly made me happy. Over the past two years, we’ve started to slow down on explaining Turkey’s oppression because people already know. They are aware of the torture, the dictatorship, and all that is happening within Turkey. Now, we are focusing more on project-based efforts. One political friend of mine gave a particularly striking piece of advice: ‘Don’t just say “human rights violations exist in Turkey” when talking to an important figure or someone capable of bringing change. Since Turkey is a NATO country, such statements will often be brushed aside. Instead, share individual stories to help people empathize, as empathy fosters more meaningful support.’”
“For instance, we had a significant discussion with Mr. Abdulhamit Bilici at the Congress, where we described the experiences of our brothers in depth, even sharing names and photos of the oppression they’ve faced. One of our close friends, a congress member, became emotional and said, ‘I’ve been here for nearly 40 years, but I’ve never heard stories like these in such depth.’”
“The Tenkil Museum is one of the most successful projects to date.”
Kanter stated that the “Tenkil Museum” is one of the most successful projects in the struggle for justice. “Every foreign visitor there says they can’t believe what they’ve seen and heard. We thought Turkey was a democratic, free NATO country. But through these stories, they touched our hearts deeply, and we empathized strongly. That museum is leading the way right now. If our friends focus on what they and others have experienced, people will start to empathize with them.”
