HAK-İŞ Commemorates July 15 in 81 Provinces: "We Will Not Forget the Victory of the Nation"

Ankara – The HAK-İŞ Confederation, a leading voice in the Turkish labor movement, honored the 9th anniversary of the July 15 coup attempt by reading a commemorative statement simultaneously in all 81 provinces. The union emphasized the nation's unique resistance, determination, and will to champion democracy on that night, with the unwavering message: "We have not forgotten, will not forget, and will not allow July 15 to be forgotten."

A Victory for a Nation That Championed Democracy

The statement, read by HAK-İŞ Provincial Presidents across the country, declared that the treacherous coup attempt of July 15, 2016, was thwarted thanks to the nation's deep-seated commitment to democracy. This historic resistance, they noted, was inscribed in history as "The Victory of the Nation That Championed Democracy." HAK-İŞ highlighted the sacrifice of 251 citizens who were martyred and 2,301 who were wounded while standing against the terrorists on that fateful night.

HAK-İŞ on the Front Line of Resistance

The confederation's statement underlined its consistent stance against all coup attempts. It proudly stated that HAK-İŞ was among the first to take to the streets on the night of July 15, putting its life on the line to defend the nation's future, national will, unity, and integrity. The statement poignantly remembered the HAK-İŞ members who were martyred in the resistance: Ahmet Özsoy, Ali Karslı, Celalettin İbiş, and Hakan Gülşen, along with dozens of others who were wounded.

Following the coup attempt, HAK-İŞ stood on the front lines of "democracy watches" for 26 days across Turkey, actively standing against the treacherous structure.

A Clear Stance Against Terrorism and Tutelage

Beyond the July 15 events, HAK-İŞ stressed its clear and uncompromising stance against all terrorist organizations and tutelage attempts. The statement reiterated the union's belief in the ideal of a "Terror-Free Turkey," supporting all constructive steps taken towards achieving peace, brotherhood, and a stronger Turkey based on democratic gains.

To honor the fallen, the HAK-İŞ Board of Directors, along with member unions and its entire organization, held a commemoration ceremony at the July 15 Martyrs' Cemetery in Ankara’s Karşıyaka Cemetery. They offered prayers for all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, nation, and freedom, and extended wishes of recovery to the veterans.