Former Kırıkkale Member of Parliament (20th–21st Terms) Kemal Albayrak: WHAT IS HAPPENING?

The attack on a school in Urfa and the killing of nine people in a school in Maraş—did these events cause any moral discomfort among the perpetrators or the bystanders? So much lawlessness, arbitrariness, hostility, and hatred have been produced in this country that the so-called “regime cowards” in politics now act as if they have only just noticed this reality.

Yet, despite knowing the causes of these pains, no one spoke out; even if out of necessity, dirty misinformation shaped by manipulation was supported. Court corridors, even for those simply going to give statements, were deliberately filled; society was pressured with treacherous rhetoric, and the judiciary was rendered dependent.

These events are certainly not ordinary. The regime change, the purge of competent individuals, the closure of military schools and some hospitals, and the imprisonment of innocent people and students under accusations of coup involvement are not coincidences. Nothing happens on its own; everything has a background. Even if secrets do not emerge immediately, the truth eventually comes to light. Archives do not forget.

When the limits of a political power that uses state resources as traps disappear, all kinds of wrongdoing become normalized.

What is striking is that the discrimination at the funeral of the child killed in Maraş seems to have awakened those who were asleep. The injustices faced by those victimized unlawfully through decree laws (KHK) are now beginning to be recognized. As the injustices—such as denying even burial places and telling people to “eat tree bark”—come to light, some grow uneasy while a large part of society begins to see the truth.

In particular, there is a growing demand to clarify allegations raised by judges regarding the Governor of Tunceli. The existence of those who protect someone legally labeled a “terrorist” while remaining silent about the killing of their own people is raising louder questions in society: “Who is innocent, and who is guilty?”

This situation is also reflected in politics. The opposition’s defense of those dismissed by decree laws and questioning the discrimination at the funeral of young Tarık Gül marks a significant turning point. Labeling a father who fought against PKK in Diyarbakır as a “terrorist” by invoking past trench conflicts, and then discriminating against his child, has reopened debates on justice, conscience, and compassion.

Calls to shed light on the dark aspects of July 15 are also increasing. Statements by Mehmet Dişli regarding Hulusi Akar, and claims such as “we got the weapons from MIT,” must eventually be clarified, no matter how much time passes.

As poet Can Yücel said: “Some suffer, some film it, and some just watch.” This quote summarizes the different attitudes within society while also urging conscientious politicians to act. Reactions from figures such as Mahmut Arıkan, Bülent Kaya, Ali Öztunç, Sadullah Ergün, Suat Kılıç, Turan Çömez, Selçuk Özdağ, and Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu against this discrimination, though late, have created an important awareness.

This awareness should contribute to uncovering hidden truths. All unresolved cases must be revealed, and those responsible for the deaths of 251 people on July 15 must be found. Those who exploit the country’s resources must also be brought to justice. Otherwise, new crimes will follow.

The strongest safeguard against the games of corrupt regimes is an independent judiciary, legitimate elections, and the rule of law and justice.

It appears that signs of the current government’s trajectory are becoming clearer. Institutions in the country have lost their function, and problems are deepening in every field. Our sovereignty cannot be protected under the shadow of those who merely provide legitimacy. Our heritage is the Republic and a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

By upholding these values, we must prepare for a new political understanding based on reason, science, law, morality, and democracy. This is the responsibility of everyone who loves their country and nation.

Happy April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. 🇹🇷
23.04.2026
Kemal Albayrak