Emine Şenyaşar awarded the ‘Peace, Friendship and Democracy’ prize

The Medical Chamber in Amed (Diyarbakir) announced the winner of the “Peace, Friendship and Democracy” prize, which it has been giving since the 1990s as part of the 14 March Doctor’s Day Week events.

Emine Şenyaşar, whose husband and two sons were murdered on June 14, 2018 in the Suruç district of Urfa by the bodyguards and relatives of AKP Deputy İbrahim Halil Yıldız, and who has started a Justice Vigil in front of the Urfa courthouse, has been granted the prize this year.

‘RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS VIOLATED’

Elif Turan, chair of the Medical Chamber, said that the rule of law in the country is eroded, fundamental rights and freedoms are violated, all kinds of struggle for rights face violence and oppression, and those who demand peace are arrested. Turan emphasized that the discourses that marginalize and polarize the public opinion have come to the forefront. “Peace, friendship and democracy have never been more vital for the peoples living in the country. In a period when people are individualized, disenfranchised and alienated from each other and society, these values have become more vital,” she said.

‘ŞENYAŞAR PROMOTES DEMAND FOR JUSTICE IN PUBLIC’

“We grant our award to Emine Şenyaşar who continues the justice vigil despite all kinds of pressures, interventions, detentions, investigations and bad weather conditions, who exposes injustice in Turkey with her unique act of civil disobedience, and who promotes demand for justice in the streets,” Turan stated.

Turan said that the award would be given to Emine Şenyaşar in person at a ceremony to be held as part of the 14 March Doctor’s Day events.