Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

GOP Authorizes Trump to Use Military Force Against Cartels

March 24, 2025

Judge Jeanine Sworn in as Interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C.

May 15, 2025

Climate Activists Vandalize NYC Tesla Dealership on Earth Day

April 22, 2025

Dem Governors Criticize Elon Musk’s ‘Cruel’ DOGE Initiatives

February 22, 2025

Supreme Court Differentiates Fed Cases from Trump Firing Issues

May 22, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • State Department to Lay Off 15% of U.S. Staff in Upcoming Days
  • Tech Giants Face Scrutiny Over Industry Practices and Innovations
  • Trump’s Tariffs Create Unprecedented Challenges for Bedding CEO
  • Explosive-Loaded Donkey Kills Soldier and Injures Two in Colombia
  • Activist Investor Reduces Stake in Johnson Matthey by 50%
  • Norway Embraces Elon Musk Amidst European Backlash
  • Rachel Brosnahan Discusses Lois Lane Role and Local Superheroes in “Superman”
  • Clashes Erupt Between Protesters and Border Patrol Agents Near Ventura County Farm
  • Trump Proposes 35% Tariffs on Canadian Goods
  • Trump Plans 35% Tariff Increase on Canadian Goods
  • State Department Plans Mass Layoffs of 1,800 Employees
  • Ukrainian Spy Agency Officer Killed in Kyiv Shooting
  • Terrorist Apo’s Video Reveals Password and Manifesto Insights
  • Trump Welcomes Nvidia CEO for White House Discussion
  • Midday Stock Highlights: MP, DAL, KLG, HTZ Stand Out
  • Criticism Mounts Over Plans to Reopen Ani Cathedral as Mosque
  • Trump Commends Liberia’s President for English Proficiency as Native Speaker
  • Prospective Mars Buyers Face Costs Up to $4 Million
  • Missing Australian Surfer Rescued Alive on Island After Extensive Search
  • Trump Official Censures Fed Chief Over Office Renovations Amid Criticism of Interest Rates
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Friday, July 11
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Turkey Reports » Parliament Rejects DEM Party’s Motion to Investigate Missing Persons
Parliament Rejects DEM Party's Motion to Investigate Missing Persons

Parliament Rejects DEM Party’s Motion to Investigate Missing Persons

Serdar ImrenBy Serdar ImrenMay 22, 2025 Turkey Reports 6 Mins Read

In recent developments regarding Turkey’s ongoing peace efforts, both the government and opposition have highlighted the necessity of establishing a political and legal framework for addressing historical injustices. A motion proposed by the DEM Party MP, Newroz Uysal Aslan, to create a Truth and Justice Commission aimed at investigating disappearances and unsolved murders was rejected by the ruling AKP and MHP parties, along with the İYİ Party. This decision has drawn condemnation from families of the disappeared and human rights activists, who argue that true peace cannot be achieved without confronting the past and acknowledging the suffering endured by victims’ families.

Article Subheadings
1) Families Demand Truth and Justice
2) Renewed Calls for Accountability
3) The Broken Promise of Justice
4) Systemic Issues in the Legal Framework
5) A Call for International Standards

Families Demand Truth and Justice

For over three decades, families of those who disappeared under suspicious circumstances have been fighting for acknowledgment and justice. During a recent commemoration event known as the “Week of the Disappeared,” Aydınlar, a mother searching for her son Cüneyt, emphasized the long-lasting emotional toll such disappearances have taken. “They silenced Cüneyt, but our hearts keep speaking,” she stated. This sentiment underscores a widespread feeling among families that, without official recognition and investigation into these cases, the wounds of loss cannot begin to heal.

The push for a Truth and Justice Commission was aimed at addressing these historical grievances. Advocates argue that truth is essential for healing and that genuine peace cannot exist without acknowledging the profound pain experienced by families of the victims. As the mothers and fathers gather during commemorative events, their pleas highlight the need for a national narrative that incorporates the voices and experiences of those who have suffered from enforced disappearances.

Renewed Calls for Accountability

The recent political climate has reignited discussions about peace and justice in Turkey. Eren Keskin, co-chair of the Human Rights Association (İHD), expressed concerns over the government’s reluctance to confront the past, stating that “no one will stop searching for their disappeared loved ones.” This is indicative of a deeper desire for accountability and recognition within society. Keskin further noted that the new peace talks must include thorough examination and acknowledgment of past transgressions to foster real democracy.

During these discussions, families are urging officials to act upon their promises and take tangible steps toward addressing unsolved cases. The notion of peace is increasingly seen as contingent upon not just negotiations but also an unequivocal acknowledgment of the historical injustices inflicted upon marginalized communities in Turkey.

The Broken Promise of Justice

One poignant example highlighted by Eren Keskin involves the historical case of Berfo Kırbayır, whose son, Cemil, was also a victim of enforced disappearance. While the former Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had made a commitment to return Kırbayır’s son’s remains, the promise ultimately remained unfulfilled. Despite a commission confirming the torture and death of Cemil, legal hindrances, including statutes of limitations, have obstructed any meaningful justice.

Families like Kırbayır’s have found themselves caught in a web of unmeetable promises and bureaucratic indifference. The unresolved nature of these cases not only exacerbates their grief but also perpetuates a cycle of impunity where perpetrators remain unchallenged by the law. “Real peace must start from acknowledging the immense pain that has existed for years, and that requires confronting the past,” Aydınlar asserted.

Systemic Issues in the Legal Framework

Activists are pointing towards systemic issues within Turkey’s justice system as a barrier to achieving true reconciliation. According to Kekin, impunity thrives in environments where authorities are not held accountable for their actions. “Because Turkey hasn’t signed the UN Convention against Enforced Disappearances, they apply statutes of limitations to these cases,” she explained. This results in prosecutions being dropped after a fixed period, showing a blatant disregard for the evidence presented.

The absence of accountability for law enforcement, the judiciary’s complicity in enabling torture, and the bureaucratic inertia to investigate these disappearances illustrate a broader systemic failure. Activists argue that without reforming these entrenched systems, it becomes impossible to discuss true democratic change in Turkey.

A Call for International Standards

As the demand for justice intensifies, family members and human rights advocates are calling on Turkey to ratify the UN Convention against Enforced Disappearances. This international framework demands that states protect against enforced disappearances and provide mechanisms for accountability. Furthermore, it lays down guidelines that serve to ensure that victims’ families receive the support and acknowledgment they deserve.

The establishment of a recognized legal framework is seen as essential not only for justice but also for restoring trust between the state and its citizens. Activists contend that it is a crucial step towards healing the historical wounds inflicted by enforced disappearances and human rights abuses.

Ultimately, these calls for international standards echo a desire not only for justice but also for a shift in how society understands and processes its traumatic past.

No. Key Points
1 Both government and opposition agree on the need for a legal framework to address historical injustices.
2 The proposed Truth and Justice Commission by the DEM Party was rejected, raising concerns among families and advocates.
3 Families continue to seek answers and accountability for their missing loved ones, emphasizing the emotional toll of enforced disappearances.
4 The unfulfilled promises made by officials contribute to ongoing grief and skepticism about the government’s intentions.
5 Activists are urging Turkey to sign the UN Convention against Enforced Disappearances to help secure justice for victims and their families.

Summary

The discussion surrounding historical injustices in Turkey has gained renewed momentum, particularly as family members of the disappeared continue their quest for truth and justice. The rejection of the Truth and Justice Commission proposal highlights a critical juncture in the country’s ability to reconcile with its past. The ongoing struggles for accountability serve as a reminder that peace must evolve from truth, acknowledging the pain that many families have endured over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the significance of the proposed Truth and Justice Commission?

The proposed Truth and Justice Commission aims to investigate forced disappearances and unsolved murders in Turkey, addressing historical grievances and emphasizing the importance of truth for achieving peace.

Question: Why do families continue to seek justice for their missing loved ones?

Families yearn for closure and acknowledgment of their suffering, believing that justice is essential for healing and reconciling with the past.

Question: What role does the UN Convention against Enforced Disappearances play in justice reform?

The UN Convention provides a framework for states to protect against enforced disappearances and stipulates mechanisms for accountability, which is crucial for securing justice for victims and their families.

Critical Issues in Turkey DEM Democracy in Turkey Domestic Affairs Turkey Economic Policy Turkey Government Policies Turkey investigate Legislative Updates Turkey Media and Politics Turkey Missing Motion National Security Turkey Parliament partys Persons Political Developments Turkey Political Reforms Turkey Regional Impact Turkey Rejects Social Issues Turkey Turkey’s Strategic Developments Turkish Diplomacy Turkish Elections Turkish Foreign Relations Turkish Leadership Turkish Legal Affairs Turkish Politics Turkish Public Policy
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
Serdar Imren
  • Website

Serdar Imren is a distinguished journalist with an extensive background as a News Director for major Turkish media outlets. His work has consistently focused on upholding the core principles of journalistic integrity: accuracy, impartiality, and a commitment to the truth. In response to the growing restrictions on press freedom in Turkey, he established News Journos to create a platform for independent and critical journalism. His reporting and analysis cover Turkish politics, human rights, and the challenges facing a free press in an increasingly authoritarian environment.

Keep Reading

Turkey Reports

Terrorist Apo’s Video Reveals Password and Manifesto Insights

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Criticism Mounts Over Plans to Reopen Ani Cathedral as Mosque

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Criminal Complaint Filed Against Journalist Serdar Akinan

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Turkey Reports Fatal Gas Exposure Incident in Northern Iraq as Unprecedented Attack

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Allegations of Sexual Abuse Against Female Students at Private School Prompt Outcry

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Turkey Declines to Extend ‘Right to Hope’ to Öcalan in Council of Europe Communication

6 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Trump urges University of Alabama graduates to avoid a victim mentality

May 1, 2025

Texas Judge Halts Trump Deportations Under Alien Enemies Act

April 10, 2025

Ukraine Open to 30-Day Ceasefire with Russia Amid U.S. Aid Resumption

March 11, 2025

Cryptocurrency Enters ‘New Phase’ of Excitement Under Trump Administration

March 15, 2025

Pritzker Vows ‘Resistance’ to Trump During Noem Visit

May 7, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.