Turkish Protesters Jailed After Interrupting Erdoğan’s Speech Over Israel Trade
TR724 News – December 4, 2024
Several young activists detained in Turkey after protesting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s stance on trade with Israel have sent messages from prison, expressing pride in their actions and commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Among them is Şeyma Yıldırım, who was arrested for speaking out during Erdoğan’s address at the TRT World Forum. In a letter relayed through her lawyers, Yıldırım said:
“I am proud to be here for the Palestinian cause. I trust the supporters of Palestine outside.”
Emre Tekinkaya, writing from Metris Prison, echoed the need for continued resistance:
“Despite injustices, threats, and accusations, we must fight against Zionism and its collaborators. We should never forget the oppression in Palestine and must continue to speak out.”
Protest and Arrest
The arrests took place after Erdoğan was interrupted while discussing Gaza. The protesters criticized ongoing trade between Turkey and Israel, highlighting documents that suggest the trade remains active. Researcher Metin Cihan, known for publishing these records, shared letters from the detained protesters on social media.
During the speech, one protester accused Erdoğan of enabling Zionist activities in Turkish waters. In response, Erdoğan reportedly told the individual, “Don’t be the mouthpiece of Zionists,” before security removed the demonstrators.
The protesters, nine in total, were subsequently charged with “insulting the President.” Seven of them are women.
Voices from Prison
In a message from Silivri Prison, Yıldırım reiterated her commitment to the Palestinian cause and her trust in its supporters.
Sena Eliküçük, a young lawyer also detained in Silivri, described her disappointment with the legal system:
“As a lawyer at the start of my career, witnessing such disregard for justice is disgraceful. We take pride in speaking the truth. I call on my bar association, human rights advocates, and all friends of Palestine to be our voice.”
Another detainee, Cahit, shared a similar sentiment from Metris Prison:
“Our goal was to stop the genocide in Gaza and block any trade, even a needle, from reaching Israel through our land. SOCAR is sending oil to Israel via our territories. We wanted to stop this.”
Despite the arrests, the protesters remain defiant, urging continued support for Palestine and resistance to perceived injustices.
