Sumud Flotilla activists leave the Council of Forensic Medicine

The 15 Turkish activists who were on the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels had left Istanbul Airport after being welcomed upon their arrival on a Turkish Airlines flight. The activists were brought to the Council of Forensic Medicine Presidency in Bahçelievler to undergo health checks and provide their statements as part of an investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the detention of Turkish citizens in international waters. After undergoing health checks and providing their statements, the activists left the facility after meeting with their relatives in front of the Council of Forensic Medicine.

"WE WERE SUBJECTED TO A LOT OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE"

Ömer Faruk Narlı, one of the activists who returned to Turkey, said, "I lost 11 kilograms during this time. I believe the Sumud Flotilla achieved its purpose. Our goal was to break the blockade and send a signal to world governments. Before continuing, I would like to thank our glorious flotilla and our embassies in Israel and Jordan. Of course, our ship was seized there. We were subjected to a lot of physical violence, all of which we just reported inside. Our names are not very important here. One thing must not be forgotten: the massacre in Gaza is still ongoing, the genocide is still ongoing. Today marks the anniversary of the genocide that began on October 7; it has been two years. Israel must be pressured; this blockade has not been going on for 2 years, but for 18 years. I hope world governments will learn a lesson from this issue. Thank you," he said.

"WE PREPARED A FLOTILLA TO BREAK THE BARBARIC ISRAELI GOVERNMENT'S BLOCKADE"

Abdülmecid Bağcıvan, another activist who joined the Sumud Flotilla and returned to the country, said, "We prepared a flotilla to break the barbaric Israeli Government's blockade. We were involved in the preparation process of this flotilla. It was very difficult. During these 15 days, there were ships whose engines broke down, which were saved in an unbelievable way, and which were bombed. Chemicals containing a foul-smelling liquid were dropped by drones onto 4 ships, including the Spectre ship I was on. 'Sumud' means steadfastness in Arabic. We continued to try to get this flotilla to Gaza without losing our determination," he said.

"EVEN IF THE FOOD HERE GOES THERE, THE PEOPLE THERE WILL DIE FULL, NOT HUNGRY"

Sinan Akılotu, another activist who joined the flotilla, pointed out that armies and states must unite for the oppression to end, stating, "We set sail from the Port of Bizerte on September 13. We were captured on October 3 as the last ship in Marinette. There are two things I want to emphasize on this occasion, which I will summarize briefly. First, this process is a matter of public support and media attention. It is important and valuable in terms of the incident being heard. Our departure was also due to the ongoing oppression in Gaza. In this process, it was as if the Sumud Flotilla overshadowed Gaza. We enjoy being welcomed like this here, but we couldn't do anything, friends. The embargo in Gaza was not broken, we couldn't reach there, and the truth is the process continues. We need to be realistic at this point. I must emphasize two things clearly there. For the ongoing oppression in Gaza to end, armies and states must take action from now on. There is no need to elaborate on this process; it is a very clear process. Israel only understands power. Even if the food here goes there, the people there will die full, not hungry," he said.

News Source: İHA