“Call for Solidarity with the Protestors in Turkey In their Struggle to Defend Democracy
Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: In front of Knight Library.
Tens of thousands of protestors in Turkey have suffered, and resisted, state authorized police brutality for the last 6 days. The events began on May 27th at Gezi Park in Istanbul when police brutally attacked peaceful protestors. It was the 3rd day of a sit-in protesting the decision to demolish the park as part of government plans to redevelop Taksim Square. What started out as an environmentalist campaign evolved into a civil resistance movement. Thousands of otherwise unaffiliated people spontaneously flooded into the park and the square in support of the protestors, rallying against the relentless police violence. The ever-increasing police cruelty has culminated in protests springing up suddenly all over the nation. The protestors hail from many social, cultural, and political backgrounds. Meanwhile, the police continue to exert excessive force on civilians who have come together to support shared values, such as democracy and personal liberty. This ongoing resistance speaks of the urgency to recognize the voice of the people in the face of an increasingly repressive and aggressive government.
As the students, staff, and faculty from Turkey at the University of Oregon and the GTFF, we ask for your support as we gather together for solidarity with the civilians of Turkey. They struggle bravely and peacefully to protect their basic human rights and refuse to surrender their liberties under state oppression. They resist and confront extreme police brutality under very dire circumstances. Acts of solidarity are particularly important at this moment, as they will help highlight the struggle and will show support for our friends, families, and thousands of people we have never met. Your valuable support and solidarity will greatly fortify our determination and resistance.”
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