Critical warning from İlber Ortaylı following the death of Atlas
Renowned historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı broke his silence regarding the death of 17-year-old Atlas, stating on social media that the incident is not merely an individual crime, but also represents a societal catastrophe.
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In a post regarding the loss of Atlas's life, Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı stated that the pain resonates not only in the hearts of the family but in the entire society. Emphasizing the devastating impact of the loss on the family with the words, "A light in a home has gone out, a mother's life has been left incomplete," Ortaylı drew attention to the erosion of legal and moral values. Expressing his concern over the damage to justice and compassion in society, Ortaylı remarked, "It is unknown what this state of affairs, which cares neither for the law nor has any connection to conscience, relies upon."
Pointing out that the Atlas case is not just the concern of his family, but of everyone who desires the manifestation of justice, the famous historian stated that the case should be a turning point for the public conscience. Ortaylı noted that a transparent and unwavering decision expected from the court would play an important role in repairing the perception of justice that harms our society.
In his statements, Ortaylı expressed that no court decision can make the grieving family forget their loss, yet he added that a fair and transparent verdict could provide solace to the public conscience.
Emphasizing that Atlas's death cannot be viewed as an isolated incident, Ortaylı stated that this is a serious test for the deterrent power of law in Turkey, for public conscience, and for the will to ensure "such pain is never experienced again." Ortaylı warned society that otherwise, such losses will continue to occur.