View Official PDF Letter of Solidarity Here

June 18^th, 2013

Our members have been worriedly observing the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters in Gezi Park and all over Turkey since May 31, 2013. Finally, in the evening of June 15 2013, the police intervened the Gezi Park that was populated with children and elderly as well, with intense tear gas, sound bombs, and rubber bullets. From the beginning of the protests, clashes resulting from the use of excessive force have resulted with death of 3 protesters, thousands of wounded people and massive arrests.

During the protests Turkish government violated medical neutrality and attacked mobile clinics where health workers took care of wounded people. In addition to that, several press members and advocates who were helping the arrested protesters were detained.

Given these circumstances, we condemn the police brutality against peaceful demonstrators. We call Turkish government authorities to stop police violence immediately, to unseat and bring to justice those who are responsible from deaths and injuries, and to release those who have been taken into custody for taking part in the protests. We urge the government to put an end to systematic oppression towards civil opposition and seek agreement with the Gezi Protesters.

We support freedom of speech and the right to peacefully protest for everybody. We stand united with the Turkish protesters in their struggle for freedom of speech and determination to be democratically included in the decision making processes.

Sincerely,

Melissa Roth
TSSU Organizer
On behalf of the TSSU General Membership
Located at Simon Fraser University
British Columbia, Canada