Egyptian woman mourns losing daughter in 2013 protests

By Muharrem Cin

KUTAHYA, Turkey (AA) – Sena al-Beltagy, mother of Asmaa al-Beltagy, who was killed during 2013 anti-coup demonstrations in Egypt, recalled the tragic loss of her daughter at an event Thursday in the Turkish city of Kutahya.

“Asmaa was 17 years old when she was martyred. Asmaa’s reaching God as a martyr relieves our grief,” Beltagy said during the event, titled “Night of Martyrdom”.

“Pro-coup soldiers killed one ‘Asmaa’, but thousands of ‘Asmaas’ were born. I believe they would not have done this if they knew that the number of ‘Asmaas’ would increase.”

Asmaa, who was martyred by snipers at Rabaa Square on Aug. 14, 2013, has been a symbol of anti-coup resistance in Egypt.

Together with Asmaa, thousands of people including women and children were killed by Egyptian armed forces that infamously opened fire on crowds gathered to protest the military coup at the same square.

“We have around 5,000 martyrs in Egypt so far. 65,000 people are in prisons. My husband and son are among them. My husband was an academic and a parliamentarian, but opposing the coup was a reason to be jailed,” Sena said.

She spoke of the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

“Fortunately, God protected you from pro-coup soldiers because all the Muslims were praying for you. You also stood tall in unity against the coup attempt," she said.

“Do not destroy your unity,” Beltagy advised, saying, “The reason behind why the coup was successful in Egypt was our unity was divided. Our people were divided into two parts. One side took [President Abdel Fattah Al] Sisi’s side, while the other side, which we take as well, took the side of the democratically elected government.”

In her speech, Sena also voiced her hope that Egypt would be an independent country one day.

“Our country will be an independent country by getting rid of soldiers. We will also host you at that time.

"Free Egyptian people love Turkey very much and are very grateful to you.”