A Lifeline for the Persecuted
In the wake of Turkey’s post-2016 crackdown, thousands of innocent individuals have faced political persecution. From academics to journalists and civil servants, many have been unjustly arrested, tortured, exiled, or silenced. For these victims, organizations like Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) offer a vital network of legal, psychological, and humanitarian support. As a leading advocate for human rights, AST has committed itself to defending those persecuted by the Erdoğan regime and ensuring their voices are not lost to history.
The Landscape of Political Persecution in Turkey
Following the failed coup attempt in July 2016, the Turkish government initiated a widespread purge across state institutions. Using emergency decrees, the government dismissed over 300,000 public servants, detained tens of thousands without trial, and shut down hundreds of media outlets and NGOs. The crackdown disproportionately affected critics of the regime, supporters of opposition movements, and individuals with perceived connections to groups labeled as threats.
This environment of fear and repression has created a dire need for independent support systems. That is where AST steps in.
Legal Support: Fighting for Justice
Access to Legal Representation
One of the primary ways Advocates of Silenced Turkey supports victims is through legal aid. Many individuals arrested under politically motivated charges are denied fair trials and access to defense attorneys. AST collaborates with a network of international human rights lawyers to provide legal representation, appeal assistance, and asylum documentation.
These services are critical for:
- Political detainees facing closed trials
- Refugees seeking asylum in Europe or North America
- Families pursuing justice for disappeared or tortured relatives
AST also publishes legal briefs, case summaries, and human rights reports that are used in international courts and immigration hearings, lending credibility to victims’ claims.
International Legal Advocacy
AST does not limit its legal efforts to Turkey’s borders. The organization regularly files petitions and submits documentation to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the European Court of Human Rights, and other global forums. These actions amplify the cases of individual victims and pressure Turkish authorities to adhere to international legal standards.
Psychological Support: Healing Invisible Wounds
Trauma Counseling and Mental Health Resources
Political persecution doesn’t just leave physical scars—it deeply impacts mental health. Many survivors suffer from PTSD, depression, and anxiety resulting from torture, imprisonment, or forced exile. AST recognizes that recovery is a long process and offers mental health support through qualified therapists and counselors.
Services include:
- One-on-one virtual therapy sessions
- Group support forums for survivors and families
- Mental health toolkits in multiple languages
These initiatives are especially crucial for children who have witnessed arrests or been separated from parents.
Community Building and Peer Support
Healing also requires community. AST facilitates peer-led support groups where survivors can share their experiences, exchange advice, and rebuild a sense of belonging. These groups not only aid emotional recovery but also empower individuals to become advocates themselves, transforming pain into purpose.
Documentation and Storytelling: Preserving the Truth
Recording Testimonies and Human Rights Violations
A key aspect of AST’s mission is to document abuses perpetrated by the Erdoğan regime. This includes compiling survivor testimonies, recording instances of torture, and cataloging cases of forced disappearance or property seizure.
The organization maintains a secure digital archive that is accessible to:
- Journalists and researchers
- Human rights institutions
- Legal teams supporting asylum seekers
These testimonies are essential in creating a historical record and holding perpetrators accountable.
Amplifying Voices Through Media and Reports
In addition to private documentation, Advocates of Silenced Turkey amplifies stories through public channels. They publish detailed reports, host webinars, and engage with international media to bring attention to political repression in Turkey.
One example is the “We Were There” campaign, where survivors narrate their experiences in a multimedia format. This initiative not only educates global audiences but also validates the suffering of those who often feel forgotten.
Assistance for Exiles and Refugees
For those forced to flee Turkey, AST coordinates relocation and resettlement assistance. This includes:
- Legal navigation for asylum processes
- Translation and documentation services
- Integration support in host countries
By easing the transition for exiles, AST helps victims regain stability and start new lives in safety.
A beacon of hope in dark times
Advocates of Silenced Turkey have emerged as a lifeline for thousands of individuals caught in the crosshairs of authoritarian repression. Through a holistic approach—combining legal aid, psychological care, documentation, and advocacy—AST restores dignity to the persecuted and creates pathways to justice and healing.
In a world where political persecution continues to rise, AST’s model stands as a testament to the power of solidarity and the importance of bearing witness. Their work ensures that even in the face of silence, the truth finds a way to speak.
- How Advocates of Silenced Turkey Supports Victims of Political Persecution
- AST provides legal, psychological and humanitarian support to victims of political repression in Türkiye, giving voice and hope to those persecuted by the regime.
- silenced turkey, ast, fight against torture, turkey
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