Istanbul Bans Event in Commemoration of Armenian Genocide Victims

The Istanbul Governor's Office has banned an event scheduled for April 24 to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide, which was set to take place in the Kadıköy district. This was reported by Ermenihaber.

In light of the Governor's decision, the "April 24 Remembrance" platform released a statement: "Just like last year, there is no reasonable justification to ban our commemoration event this year as well. The prohibition of this event, where we peacefully and quietly remember those we lost in 1915, is unacceptable.

And this is at a time when those who remember the victims of 1915 with hatred, target the grandchildren of the mass murdered Armenians and Assyrians, and deny the genocide roam freely, or hold racist gatherings and demonstrations.

Facing the events of 1915 is a necessary step that must be taken today to construct a life together on healthy foundations of democracy, equality, and brotherhood. Without facing history, no democratic step can be lasting, and no social relationship can be equal. By banning our commemoration event, the Governor's Office displays a clear opposition to the dynamics of democratization. We urge the Governor's Office to revoke its decision."

It is noteworthy that the Racism and Discrimination Commission of the Human Rights Association in Turkey is also planning to hold a remembrance event in Sultanahmet this year, as it does every year. The Commission will make a press statement in front of the museum in Sultanahmet on April 24 at 12:00 PM.