(Photo Credit: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
By Susan Sarandon, Actress and Activist
Freedom of expression is a right we have to value and protect, which is why I’m joining Amnesty to demand justice for the thousands of peaceful protesters who have been injured due to police violence in Turkey.
The use of excessive force to disperse peaceful protesters is not uncommon in Turkey, but since the clashes in Taksim Square began on May 28th, it has reached unprecedented levels within the country. What began as a small protest against the demolition of one of the last green spaces in Turkey has turned into a national crisis and commanded international attention.
The situation in Turkey is spiraling out of control. Turkish authorities have failed to step in to curb abuses by the police and help their own citizens. Thousands have been injured and that number will continue to rise unless the authorities bring police tactics in line with basic human rights standards.
Last weekend, police were seen firing tear gas directly at makeshift hospitals and detaining medical personnel who were treating injured protesters. A water cannon was directed at the entrance of the German Hospital, not far from Taksim Square. Amnesty International has received credible reports of protesters being abused by police while in custody. Scores of those arrested during the crackdown were reportedly held incommunicado. Amnesty International is working to determine their current status.
There are also indications of a broader crackdown against civil liberties. People are reportedly being detained simply for posting information about the protests on social media, and scores of lawyers were arrested recently as they prepared to make a statement about the protests.
Simply calling for an investigation into police violence and encouraging restraint isn’t enough. The Turkish Prime Minister must immediately step in and stop police violence. Ill-treatment on arrest and in detention must end; access to medical care must be insured. Independent and impartial investigations into the policing of the demonstrations must be carried out and the findings should be made public.
Join me and Amnesty International in petitioning the Turkish government to take these actions. You can also follow the following Amnesty staff on Twitter for live updates of the situation on the ground: @muratcekic, @pilkiz and @andrewegardner. For more ways on how you can help, click here.
Peaceful dissent should never be stifled with violence. Turkish citizens have a right to express their concerns without fearing for their safety. They need the support of those of us around the world who enjoy a freedom that for them is under attack. Let these protesters know that millions around the world are watching, that the violence against them has not gone unnoticed and that we are prepared to stand up for the right to freedom of expression.
I can only say thank you…
It is so crucial that such highly respected and well known star like Susan Sarandon show her support for the mostly young and truly peaceful protestors in Turkey! We need more Hollywood stars come forward and join Miss. Sorondan! Her support not only brings awareness about Turkish Crime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's fascist regime and his police force's brutal attacks against innocent protesters but also boosts moral among the protestors! They feel their voice is heard and they're not alone! By the way Turkish Crime minister Tayyip Erdogan praised his police force and applaud them for their bravery at yesterdays public rally and he added " Foreign press and it's domestic accomplices are asking who gave the order to police? Well, let me tell you. I gave the order to my police to stop the terrorists (protesters)!!" This is the kind of mentality protesters have to deal with!….Yesterday court in Ankara let go the police officer who shut and killed young protester Ethem Sarisuluk at point blank during the protests in Ankara last week. Court decided it was a self defense! The court did not want to see the video footage of the murder! Did not want to see the hospital and morgue reports and did not want to hear eyewitnesses! The police officer's testimony was enough for the court! Today Turkish main stream media, Turkish justice, Turkish police force are under complete control of Recep Tayyip Erdogan! People do not share his values feel oppressed and trapped! Hundreds of journalists are jailed and lost their jobs because they simply oppose to his brutal regime! So far in protests four young protesters are murdered, 11 protesters lost their eyes because of police tear gas, One 14year old kid is in coma because of police tear gas bomb hit his skull and injured his brain! The kid was walking to local market to by bread! Hundreds and thousands are injured because of police water cannon and beatings! Police rounds up people from their homes on the charges of being a member of a terrorist organization to overthrow the elected government! Yet so far carnations are the only weapon these "terrorists" seemed to carry:-)
Thank you Miss.Sarandon for having such compassion ! I think you just became Capulcu:-) ( Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan called protestors "Capulcu" when the protests first began in Taksim Square. It means vandal. Ever since he used the word Capulcu, the protesters and supporters began to tag Capulcu to their name on facebook and twitter. It's the symbol of pride and not being afraid.
I hope the authorities heard her plea and take concrete actions to end the devastating violence.
Thank you Susan, it is very encouraging for my people feeling people in the world like you..
I always knew you were great. Thanks for giving us great pleasure as a wonderful actress and also giving us very much valued support as a courageous activist
hey susan, why not donate your millions of dollars you make you are a liberal hack who cares for nothing but you & tim robbins paycheck. you are the 1% and you are a hypocrite
Thank you for all the points made and certainly the situation in Turkey has been deteriorating for the past several years.
If I think about my grandfather is a decorating naval officer (passed away in his 80's back in 1972) who fought in the WW's for the country, I can only say he would be disappointed at the mess Erdogan, Fetullah Gulen, and Abdullah Gül have created.
I can only hope their influence will be voted out…unfortunately, they have created a social and political mess, which I'm not entirely sure can be corrected.
I love this woman.She is such an inspiration. She stands up for a lot of good causes and I think people listen to her. I know I do