Help us fight for justice for 145 military cadets sentenced in 2016.
As the Young Justice Initiative, we aim to build a strong global advocacy network for young people around the world whose right to education has been unjustly violated, who face political persecution, and who are subjected to unlawful and arbitrary accusations.
Our mission is to ensure the protection of these youths’ rights—particularly those of military students in Turkey—within the framework of international law and human rights, to pursue effective legal and diplomatic efforts to remedy their injustices, and to raise lasting awareness among global decision-makers.
On the night of July 15, 2016, Turkey was shaken by a dramatic and violent episode remembered as the failed coup attempt. In the early evening, military units appeared on the streets of Ankara and Istanbul. Tanks blocked bridges, jets flew low over the cities, and explosions and gunfire filled the night. Television stations were seized, statements were read, and confusion spread rapidly among citizens.
The government declared that a coup attempt was underway and called on people to take to the streets. Crowds confronted soldiers, blocking tanks and resisting in public squares. By dawn, the uprising had collapsed, but the cost was devastating: hundreds killed, thousands injured, and a nation left in shock.
In the days and months that followed, Turkey underwent sweeping changes. A state of emergency was declared, and massive purges took place across state institutions. Tens of thousands of soldiers, judges, teachers, and civil servants were arrested, dismissed, or forced into exile. Military schools were shut down entirely, ending institutions that had trained officers for generations.
Beyond politics and institutions, July 15 left a deep mark on ordinary lives. Families lost loved ones that night. Many others found themselves caught in a wave of arrests and trials. Young cadets, barely more than teenagers, were also swept into the turmoil—accused, imprisoned, or expelled despite having no control over events.
The night of July 15 has become a turning point in Turkey’s modern history. It reshaped the political order, transformed the military, and created wounds that remain open to this day. It is remembered not only as a failed coup attempt but also as the beginning of an era defined by fear, injustice, and lasting divisions.
These letters were written by Turkish military cadets who were imprisoned after the 2016 coup attempt. Their words reveal a painful truth: they were students following orders, yet they were stripped of their freedom and hope. Each letter offers a glimpse into their enduring strength, faith, and longing for justice.
Please leave your message on the support wall.