Freedom event for Merdan Yanardağ

The "Freedom for Merdan Yanardağ" event, organized by Yeni Ülke Magazine, was held at the Maltepe Nazım Hikmet Culture Cafe.

The event was attended by Merdan Yanardağ's wife, Sevim Kahraman Yanardağ, as well as Barış Terkoğlu, Hüsnü Mahalli, Prof. Dr. İzzettin Önder, Oğuz Güven, and Namık Koçak. The family of Uğur Yıldız, who lost his life in the mining disaster in the İliç district of Erzincan, was also present at the event.

Delivering the opening speech on behalf of Yeni Ülke Magazine, Hikmet Yaman stated that the country is going through a period where journalists, writers, and intellectuals are being suppressed, and claimed that Yanardağ is being held captive in prison by the AKP. Yaman expressed that Yanardağ was arrested because he dreams of a free and equal world.

"WE DID NOT REACH THESE DAYS IN A SINGLE DAY"

Taking the floor after Yaman, Prof. Dr. İzzettin Önder argued that the current situation was not reached in a single day, but rather step-by-step since the 2000 IMF program, and that the AKP has been an apparatus of this program. Stating that lawlessness can only be repelled through the organized reaction of society, Önder concluded his speech with the wish for "an end to these days."

Subsequently, Merdan Yanardağ's wife, author Sevim Kahraman Yanardağ, read a letter sent by Merdan Yanardağ from Silivri. In his letter, Yanardağ thanked the Maltepe Nazım Hikmet Cultural Center and Yeni Ülke Magazine for organizing the event.

"THE AKP COULD NOT ESTABLISH ITS OWN REGIME"

Stating that Turkey is experiencing one of the darkest periods in its Republican history, Yanardağ expressed that the gains of the Republic and progressive accumulations are under threat. He emphasized that the AKP is experiencing a crisis of legitimacy and has failed to establish its own regime.

Sevim Kahraman Yanardağ concluded her speech with the words, "We have never lost our hope; we will win."

"OUR GREATEST WEAPON IS SOLIDARITY"

Journalist and author Oğuz Güven began his speech by stating that he and Merdan Yanardağ have been friends for 40 years, and emphasized the importance of a unified and organized struggle. Stating that Yanardağ was arrested unjustly and unlawfully, Güven argued that justice has been dismantled. He expressed that solidarity against political Islam is the most important power.

"IF WE CHANGE THIS ORDER, THE REVOLUTIONARIES OF THIS COUNTRY WILL NOT GO TO PRISON"

Journalist and author Barış Terkoğlu began his speech by saying, "I know Merdan Yanardağ." Stating that attempts are made to discredit individuals in such cases, Terkoğlu said that Yanardağ's imprisonment demonstrates the nature of the current regime. He recalled that Yanardağ was also arrested during the September 12 period, in the Ergenekon case, and for exposing various processes. Terkoğlu ended his speech with the words, "If we change this order, the revolutionaries of this country will not go to prison."

"THE GOVERNMENT IS EXPERIENCING A LEGITIMACY PROBLEM"

Journalist and author Namık Koçak began his speech by saying, "We are talking about law where there is no law," and stated that the government is experiencing a legitimacy problem. Noting that a smear campaign is being carried out, Koçak said that public resources are being transferred to cronies. Namık Koçak added that the order will only change when citizens seek their rights and hold those responsible to account.

Journalist and author Hüsnü Mahalli argued that although Turkey is a Middle Eastern country, it has been further "Middle Easternized" during the AKP era. Stating that the AKP supported Islamist organizations during the Arab Spring process, Mahalli emphasized that society is being deliberately impoverished and space is being opened for religious sects. Mahalli concluded his remarks by stating that citizens should follow the facts and support those who are struggling.

"THERE IS NO LAW IN CAPITALIST SOCIETIES"

Taking the floor again at the end of the event, Prof. Dr. İzzettin Önder pointed out the importance of the system debate by saying that law cannot be independent in capitalist societies, and stated that the struggle must be waged against the capitalist order.

The event concluded with the speakers signing Merdan Yanardağ's books following questions and contributions.