Gezi prisoners Atalay, Kahraman, Özerden, Mater mark 600 days in captivity

Duvar English

The Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects Chambers (TMMOB) on Dec. 26 held the 600th Justice Vigil for Gezi prisoners Tayfun Kahraman, Mine Özerden, Can Atalay, and Çiğdem Mater at the TMMOB Istanbul Branch, marking their 600th day in captivity.

Architects’ Chamber of Turkey secretary Seyfettin Avcı read the joint statement during the vigil. He stated that the arrest verdict was given by judges under government control to “criminalize one of Turkey’s most glorious grassroots movements and slander our honorable resistance.” 

“We know that the verdict was for the millions that defended the present and future of their country in May and June of 2013,” read the statement according to reporting by the ANKA News Agency. 

Avcı continued, “On the 600th day of this unlawfulness, we declare once again that we are proud of our resistance,” and called for the immediate release of their friends. 

Avcı also read messages from Can Atalay, Tayfun Kahraman, and ex-prisoner Mücella Yapıcı during the vigil. 

Tayfun Kahraman wrote in his letter that he demanded justice for himself, for his country, and everyone. 

He wrote, “Dear friends, thank you for your support to the demand for justice and democracy, and the solidarity you showed against unlawfulness for 600 days. I hope our captivity will end soon, and we will meet again in freedom.”  

Architect and urban rights activist Mücella Yapıcı, who was released with a Constitutional Court (AYM) verdict, was unable to join the vigil due to health concerns. She wrote in her message, “I experienced the invigorating power of solidarity during the 18 months I spent with Çiğdem and Mine (in prison). We embraced with the strength of being right and innocent.” 

“Gezi is our hope and our salvation,” Yapıcı finished her letter.  

Workers’ Party of Turkey deputy Can Atalay, who was not released despite the AYM ruling, wrote in his letter, "We know another world is possible, and we fight for it with all we can.”

The 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation, top Turkish appeals court, on Nov. 8 refused to comply with AYM’s Oct. 25 ruling regarding the release of jailed Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) deputy Can Atalay.

The court also filed a criminal complaint against AYM justices who voted for Atalay’s release, claiming they violated the constitution and exceeded their authority.