We only want truth and justice

Their loved ones vanished in the hands of the state, leaving families with endless grief. For over three decades, Saturday Mothers/People have gathered in Istanbul, demanding truth, justice and accountability. Send a message urging Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to reopen Galatasaray Square so their peaceful vigils can continue without undue restrictions.

What’s the problem?

For over 30 years, the Saturday Mothers/People have gathered in Istanbul, to remember their loved ones and to demand truth and justice for their enforced disappearances in the hands of the authorities in Türkiye during the 1980s and 1990s.

They cannot mourn or move on—there are no graves to visit, no answers, no accountability. Instead, they carry photos of loved ones who were forcibly disappeared, holding weekly peaceful vigils in Galatasaray Square in central Istanbul.

Since 2018, participants in these entirely peaceful vigils have faced police repression including ill-treatment, detention and criminal trials. Galatasaray Square has been surrounded by metal barriers with round the clock police presence. For the last two years, only ten relatives have been allowed each week to attend the peaceful vigil. The Mothers never gave up. They have faced these intolerable restrictions with flowers, love, and courage, refusing to be silenced.

Saturday Mothers/People say they will never give up peacefully demanding justice and accountability for the enforced disappearances from the 1980s and 1990s, and the authorities must stop restricting their right to do so.

Stand with the Saturday Mothers/People. Urge Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to reopen Galatasaray Square so their peaceful vigils can continue without undue restrictions. Families searching for truth and justice must be heard.

What can you do to help?

Send a message urging Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to reopen Galatasaray Square so their peaceful vigils can continue without repression.