USCMO Also Encourages Biden Administration to Support Democracy Movements in Muslim World Everywhere
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/15/2021) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) today expressed condolences to Turkish-Americans who lost loved ones during the failed 2016 coup in Turkey, which occurred five years ago today. On the evening of July 15th, thousands of Turkish people took to the streets to protest a military coup that resulted in injuries to over 2,000 people and the murder of at least 251 Turks, including numerous family members of American citizens.
USCMO also today commends the bravery and valor of the people of Turkey who risked their lives in defense of religious freedom, democracy, and the rule of law on July 15, 2016.
In a statement, USCMO Secretary-General Oussama Jammal said:
“We express our sincere condolences to the Turkish-Americans whose friends and family members were killed while defending democracy and standing up against the failed 2016 coup five years ago today in Turkey, and we join you in honoring their memories. We encourage the Biden Administration to support democratic reform movements across the Muslim world. Far too many Muslim-majority nations suffer under the weight of military dictatorships that receive American political, military, and economic support. Our nation must support freedom and justice for all people, both here and abroad.”
In 2016, elements within the Turkish military seized key civilian infrastructure and media outlets in Turkey, bombed the country’s parliament, and attempted to assassinate Turkish leaders. Thousands of Turkish citizens protested during the crisis, disrupting and ultimately foiling the plot after hundreds were killed.
Jammal added, “As American Muslims, we unambiguously endorse the aspiration of the Turkish people and all peoples wherever they may be—from China to Cuba to Egypt to France to India to Myanmar to Palestine to Syria – who seek to live in peace and freedom, and we encourage our government to support their aspirations.”
