Veterans protest in Ankara, lie down covered in Turkish flags demanding rights

Veterans and relatives of fallen soldiers have staged a protest in Ankara's Güvenpark, demanding recognition and improved rights. Since July 13, they have been holding a vigil, arguing that the legislative proposal presented by the ruling AKP party does not adequately address their demands for equal status.

The protesters, many of whom are disabled veterans, are seeking parity with officers, pointing out that while a lieutenant's rank may increase over time, an enlisted soldier's rank remains static. This perceived injustice fueled their decision to begin a hunger strike. On the day of the report, they engaged in a symbolic act, lying down covered in Turkish flags, with funeral chants (sela) being broadcast, highlighting their sense of sacrifice and desperation.

Erdem Çerçioğlu, a spokesperson for the veterans, voiced their frustration, asking, "Are you waiting for us to die one by one?" He emphasized their willingness to face martyrdom and criticized the government's approach. "If a terrorist organization had prepared this legislative work, they would have done it much better," he stated, drawing a stark comparison. "If you go to the baby killer multiple times, you must also come to the veterans and martyred families who are 500 meters away from Parliament."

Çerçioğlu appealed to bystanders, urging them to support the cause: "These people gave their lives, their blood for you. Support us." The demonstration, which included a moment of silence and the national anthem, concluded after the flag-laying ceremony. Political figures from opposition parties, including YENİ Parti and DEVA Partisi, visited the protesters to express solidarity, with YENİ Parti representatives calling the government's proposal a "superficial attempt" and pledging continued support.