Van Tugrul Yilmaz

We ask for your solidarity and support. Please spread this text. We need your insight and your solidarity in this matter.
We are a group of people who have come together to write this text as a result of the oppression in Turkey.
We have been taking a stand against police assaults for days now. We and countless other citizens.
The protests which were triggered after the ruling to demolish Gezi Park provided with a ground to a initiate a far belated struggle.
Numerous events brought us to this point in the struggle, including the devastating incidents at Reyhanlı and Roboski where many people were killed due to – if we are being politically correct – lack of foresight on part of the government; laws and the proposed legislations that violate our liberties such as abortion and alcohol; the negligent attitude of mainstream media; and many other legislations, events and public statements.
Some insist our struggle is an ideological one. Although we do respect them, we are not members of any political party or ideological group. This is a common struggle of the people; we are united in our cause. The Turkey-wide struggle cannot be attributed to anyone else but the people.
We face police attacks every day. Gas masks, vinegar, neutralizing solution have become vital materials we cannot leave home without. Plainclothes police and provocateurs run rampant among us; and because the mainstream media broadcasts mainly misinformation, we do our best to distinguish between truthful and misleading news on Facebook and twitter. While the struggle has spread throughout the country mainstream TV stations have been broadcasting documentaries and quiz shows.
We all help one another on the streets; when someone falls, people rush over to their side and help them up. We calm one another down, we protect one another. People who are unable to take to streets support us from their windows, open up their homes to us if needed. The pepper gas makes us sick, police brutalities result in various injuries.
From the government, we demand our fundamental rights and freedoms. We want the mainstream media to broadcast the truth, make our voice heard. We want the government to reconsider its policies, and withdraw the police forces. In short, we want to be acknowledged as human beings.
We are all responsible individuals. But until this struggle reaches its desired end, our main responsibility will be to resist. Otherwise, what does it mean to be a human being?