Support from Writers for Detained Aslı Erdoğan

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149 writers with a shared statement announced their solidarity with detained novelist, Özgür Gündem writer and Publishing Consultancy member Aslı Erdoğan.

The statement beginning with “Free Thoughts Cannot Be Silenced! Aslı Erdoğan Is Not Alone!” was shared publicly today at the Cezayir Meeting Room.

The writers Ayşegül Tözeren, Mehmet Sait Aydın, Mustafa Köz, Sema Kaygusuz, Seray Şahiner and Yaşar Miraç joined the statement as well as Aslı Erdoğan’s mother, Mine Erdoğan.

Istanbul 8th Court of Peace had issued a warrant for the detainment of the newspapers authorities following their decision to raid and shut down Özgür Gündem. Aslı Erdoğan was detained during a raid on her house on August 17. Erdoğan, who was questioned today at the police station, is awaiting transfer to the İstanbul Courthouse in the coming hours.

“We Are Aslı Erdoğan’s Voice”

The 149-signature declaration is as follows:

“Turkey, who has been saved from a coup attempt, has now been swept inside of an endless regime of oppression. It has taken journalists, academics, and writers out of their jobs, arrested them, and subjected them to torture.

“One of the last targets was the writer Aslı Erdoğan.

“The pressure designed to silence her is also designed against free thinking.

“We are her voice.

“Those who have to make a choice are not writers, they’re the administrators. Will they continue life with oppression and cruelty, or will they choose democracy and brotherhood?

“We will continue in favor of democracy, brotherhood, and peace, to speak our minds freely like we were meant to and continue to write”. (HY/BK/KT)