Turkish organizations in London mark 7th year of 2016 defeated coup in Türkiye

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – Turkish organizations in London held a commemoration ceremony on Saturday to mark the seventh anniversary of the 2016 defeated coup attempt in Türkiye.

Remembering the bravery and heroism displayed by Turkish citizens, the Yunus Emre Institute London and British-Turkish Association launched a conference titled "Reflection on 15th July: Coup Attempt: Türkiye, Opportunities and Challenges' today."

The conference started with a moment of silence followed by the national anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran in honor of the victims.

“Seven years ago, I was the ambassador in Bucharest, and my son was 11 years old at that time, and I couldn't explain this situation to my child. We couldn't explain to an 11-year-old child what a coup means in a democratic system in this age,” said Turkish Ambassador to the UK Osman Koray Ertas during his speech at the event.

“We must properly explain to our youth what this organization, with its roots abroad and regular collaboration with foreign intelligence agencies, is,” he said.

“The place of the state has always been unique for the Turkish nation. When it comes to the state, the Turkish people put everything aside and stand by their country. These traitors failed to see that. I remember all our martyrs with deep respect,” he underlined.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup attempt on July 15, 2016, which left 253 people dead and 2,734 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.