Fathers continue the struggle for children shoulder to shoulder with Diyarbakir mothers

The sit-in protest started by Diyarbakır mothers on September 3, 2019, blaming the HDP for the abduction of their children, continues on its 1459th day. The number of families participating in the vigil, which is held by families keeping watch over their children, has risen to 364 with the participation of people from all around the country. Thanks to the determined and strong solidarity maintained during the vigil, 45 families have been reunited with their children so far. Despite the weather conditions, whether it's hot or cold, during holidays or a pandemic, fathers have been the biggest supporters of the mothers, maintaining the vigil side by side. Coming to the tents every day either alone or with their wives, the fathers have been determined to continue their struggle for their children. Fathers, who never let go of their children's photos along with the mothers, are determined to continue the vigil until they reunite with their children even as the vigil enters its 5th year on September 3, 2023. Süleyman Aydın, who has been participating in the vigil for his son Özkan, who was abducted to the mountains 8 years ago when he was 15 years old, stated that he has been fighting for years to reunite with his son. Aydın said that there are not only mothers but also fathers and other relatives in front of the HDP Provincial Headquarters building in Diyarbakır. He stated, 'As fathers who are keeping vigil in Diyarbakır, we are continuing our struggle determinedly. Mothers are not alone here; fathers are also present. My wife is receiving medical treatment and cannot come here due to her illness. Therefore, I am continuing the vigil as a father. I will not leave here until I take my child back from the PKK terrorist organization. I cannot go to work during this struggle process, but because it's about my child, I have been sitting in front of the HDP's door for 4 years, I want my child back.' Stating that they are fighting to say 'stop' to terrorism, to protect and rescue children from terrorist organizations, Aydın explained that they receive great support from the public. He continued, 'We have persevered in our child's struggle regardless of rain, mud, and even a pandemic. If it weren't about our children, no force could bring us here. We are not just keeping vigil for our own children; we are here for all of Türkiye's children. We call out to families whose children have been abducted by terrorists, don't be afraid, come and support us. On September 3, we will also organize a walk against terrorism here. We will condemn terrorism. We say 'Enough is enough.'' Abdullah Demir, who has been participating in the vigil for his son Fatih, who was deceived and taken to the mountains 8 years ago from Istanbul, stated that he sometimes participates in the vigil alone and sometimes with his wife Sevdet Demir. Demir expressed, 'My son went to Istanbul 8 years ago for work, they deceived him and took him away. I call on everyone, come and support us, let's rescue these children from these tyrants. What happened to us today can happen to you tomorrow.' Abdullah Demir, who has been participating in the vigil for his son Fatih, who was deceived and taken to the mountains 8 years ago from Istanbul, stated that he sometimes participates in the vigil alone and sometimes with his wife Sevdet Demir. Demir expressed, 'My son went to Istanbul 8 years ago for work, they deceived him and took him away. I call on everyone, come and support us, let's rescue these children from these tyrants. What happened to us today can happen to you tomorrow.' Nihat Aydın, who has been participating in the vigil for his son Mehmet, who was taken to the mountains 8 years ago when he was 13 years old, stated that he has been experiencing the longing for his child for years and hopes that this longing will end soon. Stating that he has been participating in the vigil as a father for years and will not give up his struggle until he takes his son back, Aydın continued, 'I didn't need glasses before. Due to sorrow and grief, I got hypertension in my eyes. I lost nearly 60% of my vision. The pain of losing a child is unlike anything else. Children abducted to the mountains are always the children of poor families. 45 of our children have come back, our state has returned them to their parents. May Allah be pleased with our state and our President; may Allah not take our state away from us. We want our child from the HDP. They deceived and took our children away.'