Saturday Mothers: Where is Murat Yildiz?

The Saturday Mothers’ Initiative in Istanbul addressed the case of Murat Yildiz in the 882nd week of its vigil against disappearances in state custody. The then 19-year-old disappeared in police custody in Izmir on 23 February 1995. His mother Hanife Yildiz has been fighting for 27 years for clarification and says: “I delivered my son alive.”

The family’s lawyer is the chairperson of the Istanbul branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD), Gülseren Yoleri. According to her, Murat Yildiz went to the police himself to make a statement before he disappeared. He was accompanied by his mother and a legal advisor. Later it was said that Murat Yildiz jumped off the ferry during transport to Istanbul and fled. His mother filed a criminal complaint and two police officers were fined for violating their official duty. Thus, the proceedings were discontinued. The appeal procedure and an application to the Constitutional Court also brought no results. Murat Yildiz has been missing for 27 years.

“His mother has never given up the search for him. This struggle will continue until Murat is found,” says Gülseren Yoleri.