Since the horrible night of July 15, 2016, the Turkish government has conducted an ongoing persecution of Hizmet participants based not on any evidence of wrongdoing, but through a textbook example of guilt by association. In addition to dismissing and jailing thousands of military personnel who played no role in the incident, tens of thousands of civilians, including teachers, nurses, academics, and housewives have been dismissed, tried in kangaroo courts, and imprisoned after being listed on government-issued blacklists.

The Alliance for Shared Values condemns in the strongest terms this persecution, which for eight years has subjected innocent citizens to inhumane treatment, social isolation, unlawful arrests, abysmal prison conditions, and torture—all without due process or evidence of wrongdoing. This campaign of oppression against peaceful individuals—whose only “crime” was participation in civil society activities—is a grave injustice that must not be allowed to continue.

We reiterate that Hizmet and its participants have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law. Even in the face of severe mistreatment, Hizmet participants have stood tall in advocating for the movement’s core values. Those values are clear, and any behavior contrary to them, regardless of its source, is unacceptable and cannot be attributed to Hizmet. The Turkish government’s attempts to demonize the movement through perception management and media manipulation are nothing more than a smokescreen to divert attention from uncovering the real perpetrators and planners of the July 15 events.

The Turkish government’s refusal to allow for an independent international investigation into that fateful night, despite repeated calls from Fethullah Gülen and others, speaks volumes. If the government truly seeks justice and transparency, why does it continue to shroud the incident in secrecy? Why have key figures not been questioned or held accountable? Why has the Turkish government been hiding the results of the investigation of its own parliamentary commission from the public? The persistence of these unanswered questions only serves to deepen suspicions about the true nature of the events and the subsequent crackdown.

We call on the international community to demand accountability from the Turkish government for its actions. The systematic persecution of Hizmet participants must end, and an impartial investigation into the July 15 events must be conducted. Only through such measures can the truth be uncovered, justice be served, and the rights of innocent citizens be restored. The Alliance for Shared Values remains committed to advocating for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Turkey and around the world.

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