“I am innocent, but no one hears me.”
This is not only a statement, but a desperate cry for help from an innocent human being — and a reflection of the deep-rooted injustice prevailing in today’s Turkey.
Burak Baldan, a decorated Turkish military pilot, was recognised throughout his career for his outstanding achievements and service to his country. Despite an flawless record and a life dedicated to lawful duty, he was arrested following the events of July 2016 and has remained in detention ever since, accused of participating in the coup attempt.
During the judicial process, Mr. Baldan consistently demonstrated his innocence through substantial evidence and witness testimonies. Nevertheless, his continued imprisonment reflects a broader pattern of unlawful judicial practices and systemic violations of due process that have affected thousands of individuals in Turkey since 2016.
Justice systems are expected to uphold truth and fairness. However, when they become instruments of oppression, public confidence erodes, and fundamental human rights are gravely undermined. The Turkish justice system today stands accused of failing in both its negative obligation—to refrain from violating rights—and its positive obligation—to protect and realise them.
The human cost of these failures is immense. Families are torn apart, professionals lose their livelihoods, and citizens lose faith in justice. As William E. Gladstone once said, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Burak Baldan and countless others continue to wait for justice that has been unjustly withheld. Their voices are silenced within the system, but it is our collective moral duty to listen, understand, and speak out on their behalf.
As the Rights Defenders Initiative (RDI), we call on the Government of Turkey to fully comply with international human rights obligations, including those under the European Convention on Human Rights; to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary; to release all individuals unlawfully detained and provide effective remedies for victims of wrongful imprisonment; to end all forms of torture, ill-treatment, and political prosecution; and to restore public trust in the rule of law and justice system. Justice must not be delayed, and innocence must not be silenced — the world must hear their voices and act.
Refrences:
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_delayed_is_justice_denied
- https://www.tr724.com/dunya-birincisi-kursiyer-tegmenin-cigligi-masumum-kimse-sesimi-duymuyor/
- https://bugrabaldan.com/biyografi
- https://www.omerfarukgergerlioglu.com/basin/basindan/dunya-birincisi-kursiyer-tegmenin-cigligi-masumum-kimse-sesimi-duymuyor/37353/
