What does it truly mean to be silenced? For many Turkish citizens, especially since 2016, it means living under constant surveillance, fearing imprisonment over innocuous social media posts, losing jobs based on perceived political affiliations, and enduring the disappearance or unjust detention of family members. The silence extends beyond censorship—it's a forced erasure of identity, dignity, and participation in public life.

Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) emerged in this climate as a vital witness and advocate. Founded by Turkish exiles, AST has dedicated itself to documenting the widespread erosion of civil liberties and giving voice to those stripped of theirs. Their work is a sobering chronicle of authoritarianism’s rise—and a call to action for the global community. Through detailed reports, public testimonies, and advocacy efforts, AST not only preserves the memory of repression but also builds a bridge between victims and those in power who can pressure for change.

Being “silenced” in Turkey isn’t always loud or violent—it’s often a quiet, daily burden. It’s the teacher who can no longer teach, the journalist forced into exile, the parent afraid to speak in front of their child. AST captures these stories with dignity and urgency, highlighting that silence imposed by fear is a violation as severe as any formal punishment.

The 2016 Turning Point

The failed coup attempt in July 2016 was the beginning of a massive political purge. Under the guise of national security, thousands of public servants, teachers, journalists, and activists were dismissed, arrested, or exiled. Emergency decrees allowed the government to bypass normal legal channels, setting the stage for widespread human rights violations.

Within weeks, schools were shuttered, media outlets were raided, and judicial independence was compromised. According to government-released data compiled by Advocates of Silenced Turkey, more than 600,000 people were taken into custody, and over 500,000 were formally arrested—including 400,000 men, 100,000 women, and even 3,000 children, with 864 babies held in prisons. More than 2.2 million investigation files were opened in connection with the Hizmet Movement, signaling a vast and systematic campaign of legal persecution. The crackdown blurred the line between due process and political punishment, making dissent dangerous and silence a means of survival. AST recognized this tipping point and began chronicling individual and collective harm—not only for legal accountability but also to ensure that the victims would not be forgotten.

Their reports outline how the purge extended to every corner of Turkish civil society, creating a chilling effect that persists to this day. By analyzing these patterns, AST helps the international community understand that what began in 2016 was not a moment of emergency governance—but a structural shift toward authoritarianism.

Who Are the Advocates of Silenced Turkey

Founded by Turkish exiles in the U.S., AST is a nonprofit dedicated to exposing human rights abuses and advocating for freedom, democracy, and justice in Turkey. Their efforts span multiple areas of impact:

• Collecting survivor testimonies that document the personal cost of repression

• Publishing verified human rights reports used by legal experts, journalists, and NGOs

• Supporting legal action and asylum claims through partnerships and guidance

• Collaborating with international human rights organizations to amplify their findings globally

AST stands out not only for its documentation but for its human approach: every data point is anchored in a real story. Their work provides survivors with dignity, record, and—above all—visibility.

Authoritarianism in Turkey: A Systemic Breakdown

The government's consolidation of power has profoundly reshaped Turkish institutions, eliminating checks and silencing dissent.

Judiciary Under Siege

One of the earliest and most impactful purges targeted the judiciary. Thousands of judges and prosecutors were dismissed or imprisoned, accused of links to terrorist organizations without due process. This decimated judicial independence and made fair trials increasingly rare.

Without a functioning, impartial legal system, citizens lost a key line of defense against state abuse. AST has consistently tracked these dismissals and the long-term implications for Turkey’s rule of law.

Media Silenced

Turkey has become one of the world’s top jailers of journalists. Since 2016, over 180 media outlets have been closed, including newspapers, TV stations, and radio networks. Independent reporting has been replaced by government-controlled narratives.

AST documents the legal persecution of journalists, the criminalization of dissenting speech, and the rise of censorship laws that criminalize criticism of the government—even on social media.

Civil Society Crushed

The purge extended to civil society, where over 1,500 NGOs were shuttered by government decree. Many of these organizations worked on behalf of women’s rights, minority protections, education, and freedom of expression. Their closure marked a deliberate attempt to weaken civic engagement and isolate vulnerable communities.

AST continues to raise awareness of these closures and support displaced civil society leaders through international networks and advocacy campaigns.

Turkey Opposition Silenced: The Tools of Repression

Repression in Turkey is no longer just a response to crisis; it has become a tool of everyday governance. AST has documented numerous tactics used to systematically dismantle opposition:

• Mass surveillance of emails, phone calls, and online activity

• Arbitrary detentions based on vague anti-terrorism laws

• Travel bans and passport seizures to restrict movement

• Confiscation of assets from individuals accused of dissent

These tools allow the government to silence critics without direct violence—by cutting them off from economic opportunities, mobility, and personal security. AST provides case studies and statistical breakdowns to show how repression has become bureaucratic, scalable, and deeply personal.

The Everyday Impact: Stories That Matter

Behind each number in a government report or AST dossier is a human being whose life has been upended:

• A high school teacher imprisoned for attending a peaceful demonstration in support of academic freedom

• A journalist forced to leave behind her family and flee abroad after uncovering financial corruption

• A mother detained with her infant child because of alleged ties to banned organizations

These stories illustrate how authoritarianism affects every dimension of life in Turkey—from education and healthcare to professional stability and family integrity. AST gives these individuals a platform so the global public can grasp the human cost of repression.

The Role of Exile

As repression intensifies, many Turkish citizens have been forced into exile. In Europe, North America, and beyond, these individuals have created strong diasporic advocacy networks. AST supports this global Turkish community by:

• Providing resources for asylum seekers and legal aid

• Helping exiles document and share their stories internationally

• Connecting activists with human rights institutions and campaigns

These exiled voices carry powerful moral weight. By elevating them, AST bridges the gap between domestic silencing and international mobilization.

Press Freedom on Life Support

Freedom of expression has become one of the clearest casualties of Turkey’s authoritarian turn. AST, in collaboration with international watchdogs, has spotlighted several alarming developments:

• Prosecution of artists and writers including cartoonists, poets, and authors for works deemed offensive

• Banning of websites and blocking of social media content, especially platforms critical of the government

• Criminal charges against citizens for retweets, Facebook posts, or digital activism

AST’s advocacy underscores that repression of speech is not just about silencing the press—it’s about dismantling public discourse altogether.

Repression Through Education

Education, once a channel for growth and critical thought, has been transformed into a mechanism of control. AST has documented how:

• Thousands of schools and universities were closed, impacting millions of students

• Teachers and professors were purged, often based on unfounded accusations

• Curricula have been revised to support government narratives, erasing dissent and diversity of thought

The loss of academic freedom not only deprives students of quality education but reshapes future generations' worldview in the image of authoritarianism.

A Generation in Fear

Perhaps the most devastating consequence of repression is its psychological effect on the youth. AST has chronicled the emotional and mental toll experienced by children growing up in this climate:

• Exposure to police raids, arrests, and propaganda has normalized fear and silence

• High rates of anxiety, depression, and identity confusion are common among youth from persecuted families

• Generational trauma is transmitted in communities where open discussion is unsafe

By sharing these stories, AST ensures that this silent suffering does not remain invisible to the world.

Turkey Democracy Under Threat: What’s at Stake

Democracy in Turkey is being hollowed out from within. AST warns that unchecked power, weakened institutions, and silenced opposition pave the way for long-term authoritarian rule. This doesn't just affect Turkey—it sets a dangerous precedent for other democracies.

The erosion of democratic norms, such as free elections, independent courts, and a pluralistic media, signals to other regimes that authoritarianism can be legitimized under the guise of nationalism and security. AST calls on democratic nations to treat this as not just a regional issue, but a global alarm.

Global Response: Too Little, Too Late?

Despite the mounting evidence of human rights violations, the international response has largely been symbolic or strategically muted. AST continues to urge:

• Stronger pressure from the UN and EU, including formal condemnations and diplomatic engagement

• Making foreign aid and trade agreements conditional on improvements in human rights and judicial reform

• Supporting independent international investigations and legal tribunals to hold perpetrators accountable

Without meaningful global pressure, authoritarian regimes are emboldened. AST argues that time is running out—and that solidarity, visibility, and advocacy are more urgent than ever.

AST’s Methodology

To ensure credibility and accuracy, AST relies on a rigorous and transparent methodology:

• Verifying testimonies through legal documentation and multiple sources

• Collaborating with independent legal and academic experts to validate data

• Utilizing open-source intelligence and referencing official legal texts to support each case

This meticulous approach strengthens AST’s authority and allows their reports to serve as reliable tools for journalists, international bodies, and legal advocates.

Ways to support AST’s mission

Whether you're a concerned citizen, academic, or policymaker, there are meaningful ways to assist AST:

• Read and share AST’s blog posts to spread awareness

• Volunteer your skills, from research and writing to graphic design and translation

• Host awareness events like film screenings, talks, or exhibitions in your local community

• Cite AST’s data in your own publications, research, or advocacy materials

Support doesn't always require massive resources—amplifying a single story can make a difference.

Advocates of Silenced Turkey keep the light on

Advocates of Silenced Turkey stands as one of the last beacons for civil society in a country descending into repression. Their decade-long documentation reminds us that authoritarianism doesn’t begin with tanks in the streets—it begins with silencing a voice.

AST’s relentless pursuit of truth is a testament to resilience in the face of injustice. Their work empowers victims, holds perpetrators accountable, and informs the world of what’s at stake.

The world cannot afford to ignore what is happening. Supporting AST means supporting truth, justice, and the resilience of those who refuse to be erased.

Stand with AST. Share their stories. Speak up before silence wins.

FAQs

What is Advocates of Silenced Turkey?
A nonprofit organization founded by Turkish exiles, dedicated to documenting and fighting against human rights abuses in Turkey.

Why was AST founded?
AST was established in response to the 2016 purge in Turkey, which targeted thousands of teachers, journalists, civil servants, and dissidents.

How can I help AST?
You can support AST by volunteering, sharing their reports, citing their work, or helping organize awareness events. Learn more at silencedturkey.org.