We have been witnessing lately youth festivals and even university graduation ceremonies being impeded in our country.

It is unacceptable that in some circles the traditional Zeytinli Rock Festival was depicted as a source of crime and the youth who were to attend it were wrongly targeted after the festival was authorized by the Burhaniye government to take place between August 17-21, 2022.

The Republic of Türkiye is a constitutional state of law where each citizen has the right to attend any activity and to organize any cultural or artistic event with free will as long as others’ rights and freedoms are not restricted. Great leader Atatürk characterized the youth as being free in thought, conscience, and in cognizance. Suppressing youth by meaningless and unlawful prohibitions and limiting their activities is not acceptable.

Instead of prohibiting rights and liberties, the public authorities are obliged to take the necessary precautions, prevent crime and provide security during planned and programmed activities. We will always stand by our youth against actions that aim to attack democracy and rights and liberties and actions that would bring about a dark future.

We hereby declare our stance publicly on this matter.