Radio VC Mytilene
"We don't need walls, we don't need doors" A look at the decaying rule of law in Turkey.
Sendetermin 12.03.2024 19:00 bis 20:00In this episode of VC Mytilini, we take a look at how the current authoritarian regime impacts the rule of law in Turkey. With currently over 20 lawyers currently in jail, there was some expectation in what direction this podcast would go. However, that is only part of this episode, together with death and hope.
The guests today are 3 lawyers who are active in political organizations that frequently experience oppression by the Turkish State: Ceren and Fatih of the Progressive Lawyers Organization, and Fatma of Lawyers For Freedom. Fatih and Fatma are currently living and practicing law in Turkey. Ceren was forced into exile for her work, and is currently residing in Austria.
Both these organizations have been banned at various points throughout their existence for providing open and accessible legal assistance to marginalized groups. In addition they, like all other people in opposition to the current regime face intimidation, arbitrary arrests and other forms of repression on a daily basis.
Topic's of this episode include the repression, protest, hunger strikes and what gives our guests the will to continue their struggle.
If you are interested to read more about the current situation in Turkey:
A recently released report by Ceren on the situation for PEN Norway: https://twitter.com/PEN_Norway/status/1767154303435710605?t=FCK_fMZ8yxZ7ZCBxggGshg&s=19
An overview of the situation: https://www.sessizkalma.org/en/defender/lawyers-progressive-lawyers-association
A report of the fact finding mission conducted last year in November: https://legalcentrelesvos.org/2024/03/05/new-report-examining-the-treatment-of-lawyers-deprived-of-their-liberty-and-prosecuted-in-turkey/
Music:
In order of appearance:
A Hawk and a Hacksaw - Turkish
Crowander - Turkish
Turku, Nomads of the Silk Road - Variations On A Kurdish Theme
Ehl-i Keyif - Kadifeden Kesesi
Ehl-i Keyif - Hüzzam Sazsemai ''Nargile''
Ehl-i Keyif - Hicazkar ''Yağcılar'' Zeybek
Trio Mandili - Kakhuri
Cover foto by AFP/OZAN KOSE
Information zur Sendereihe
Voices of Mytilene is a project run by people from different backgrounds. Our aim is to empower people so that they can use our space and equipment to express themselves on the Island of Lesbos.
We intend to create a community that tries to facilitate different dialogues and provides perspectives from different communities regarding politics, economics, social and cultural life. In order to achieve this, we want to empower people from a variety of backgrounds to learn the skills that they need to set goals and to achieve them on their own terms. We are open two days a week for interested people or groups to come visit us to get information, trainings or just to hang out.