LOGAN, Utah – Utah State University (USU) recently hosted a special event organized by Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST), featuring a screening of The Other Children documentary and the Silent Screams exhibition. The event aimed to raise awareness of human rights violations in Turkey, particularly focusing on children affected by political oppression.
The program sought to shed light on the experiences of children whose parents have been imprisoned under Turkey’s ongoing government crackdowns. Following the screening, a panel of experts, academics, and activists discussed the broader impact of state oppression, the challenges faced by exiled and incarcerated families, and the fight for human rights.
Crackdown on Academic Freedom
One of the event’s key speakers, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Soyer of USU’s Department of Sociology, addressed the diminishing state of academic freedom in Turkey. He shared the story of a former colleague, Aziz, who has been imprisoned for eight years for his academic work.
“Aziz was a far more brilliant academic than I was. He returned to Turkey to serve his country, yet instead of being rewarded for his achievements, he was punished,” Soyer said. “If I had returned at the same time, I might have suffered the same fate. Silencing intellectuals is not just a loss for individuals—it’s a loss for the entire society.”
Challenges Faced by Migrant Communities
Dr. Crescencio López González, head of USU’s Department of World Languages and Cultures, drew parallels between the struggles of Latin American immigrants in the U.S. and those facing oppression in Turkey.
“These people flee violence in their home countries, only to face brutality at the border and the constant fear of deportation afterward,” he said. “They did not choose this life, yet they live in fear every day.”
Similarly, Abbas Ehsani, outreach director for Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection (CRIC), highlighted the experiences of Afghan refugee children.
“These children are grateful for the resources provided by the community,” Ehsani said. “Sharing their stories helps us understand their experiences and create opportunities—access to education, healthcare, social activities, and therapy for those who have endured trauma.”
A Family’s Struggle for Survival
A particularly moving moment came during the Silent Screams exhibition, where personal objects told stories of persecuted families. Randy Williams, a folklorist and ethnographer at USU, shared the story of Baby Cevdet, whose family fled Turkey under extreme conditions.
“Cevdet’s family was forced to flee after their boat nearly exploded. His father carried him through the water to keep him dry, while his mother protected the medical devices that kept him alive—a nebulizer for his breathing and a blender to puree his food,” Williams recounted. “Their escape continued with a grueling nine-hour climb through the mountains.”
On display was Baby Cevdet’s blender—symbolizing the hardships endured by his family.
Bearing Witness to Human Rights Abuses
Hafsa Girdap, spokesperson for Advocates of Silenced Turkey and a researcher at Stony Brook University, addressed the systematic oppression faced by marginalized groups in Turkey.
“Both The Other Children documentary and the Silent Screams exhibition serve as powerful testaments to ongoing human rights violations,” Girdap said. “These projects bridge the gap between abstract reports of oppression and the deeply personal stories of those affected.”
She emphasized that such initiatives foster grassroots activism, educate the public, and put international pressure on governments to hold the Turkish government accountable.
A Call to Action
During the panel discussion, speakers underscored the importance of advocacy and awareness.
“The persecuted did not choose to leave their countries. Just as we did not choose to live in this country, they did not choose their fate,” one speaker said. “But now that we are here, in a free country, it is our responsibility to be their voice.”
Support and Collaboration
The event was supported by various academic departments and civil society organizations, including:
- USU Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice
- USU Mountain West Center for Regional Studies
- USU Center for Community Engagement
- USU Heravi Peace Institute
- United Nations Association of Utah
- Emerald Hills Institute
- Utah Humanities
- Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection
Organizers emphasized that the event was a critical step in raising awareness of human rights violations and that similar initiatives must continue. By bringing global attention to these issues, the event ensured that the voices of victims are heard on an international scale.
