Erdoğan: Those who want to see who the dictator is should look at the Sednaya prison.

President Erdoğan spoke at the "World Human Rights Day Brotherhood Face Program" in Ankara. Evaluating the recent developments in Syria, Erdoğan said, "For years, they accused us of being dictators. If they want to see who a dictator is, they should watch the footage coming from Sednaya prison."

Here are the highlights from Erdoğan's statements: "I send my greetings to my brothers who have tied their hopes to Turkey in our region and in different corners of the world. I convey my greetings, love, and deepest affection to our Syrian brothers who have regained their freedom after 61 years of oppression and tyranny."

"WE WITNESSED VERY SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS"

We witnessed very serious human rights violations in different regions. While the most brutal oppressions in history were taking place in our neighbor Syria, there was no sound from the so-called human rights defenders. On July 15, 252 of our people were martyred by FETÖ traitors. While the arrows of criticism were directed at our country, the murderers who killed the oppressed were sheltered by Western countries. The ones who undermine the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the most are those who claim to defend it in the world. Despite all contrary statements, a narrow definition of human rights based on color, origin, and belief is being made. At this point, human rights are perceived as privileged rights applied only to a certain region of the world and a certain population.

"WE DID NOT ASK IF YOU ARE TURK, KURD, OR ARAB"

Turkey has been a compassionate and merciful country that has been a sanctuary for the oppressed for centuries. We did not ask those who came to our door if they are Turks, Arabs, or Kurds. We did not ask those who came to our door if they are Turks, Arabs, or Kurds. We did not ask those who asked for our help if they are Muslims, Christians, or Jews. Without looking at their identity, we opened not only the doors of our country but also the doors of our hearts. We never left our brothers alone in both the Gaza atrocities and the Syrian crisis. As a country and a nation, we have successfully passed the test of humanity, with Syria being at the forefront. From the very first day, our position and attitude on this issue have been clear; our words and actions are evident. Turkey has always approached the Syrian crisis with a conscience-focused perspective. Whatever is required by our humanity and neighborliness, we have continued to do so in this difficult period.

"WE HOSTED SYRIANS FOR 13 YEARS"

We hosted Syrian refugees in the best way for 13 years. We are the helpers. We said we must do what a refugee does. Despite the main opposition in this country saying they will expel you, we said it. There were those who wanted to poison this process. The former leader of the CHP tried to incite our nation with hate speech. They resorted to paths that do not befit our faith just to gain a few more votes in the election. In the end, conscience, humanity, compassion, and solidarity won.

"THE ROAD TO PEACE IN SYRIA HAS BEEN OPENED"

When we look at torture and death centers like Sednaya prison, it is much clearer today how we turned back from the brink of a terrible disaster. With the end of the bloodstained Baath regime, the doors to peace and security in Syria have been opened. As the environment of peace takes root in Syria, the number of voluntary returns will gradually increase over time. We see that the CHP and some fascist groups are trying to sabotage this positive climate. It is a disgrace that the CHP, which should feel ashamed of what they have done, is inflating anti-refugee sentiment out of the resentment of losing their allies in Damascus. My advice to the CHP and its supporters is to watch the prison footage coming from Syria if they want to see who a dictator is.

"WE MUST FOCUS ON OUR COMMON POINTS AS A NATION"

Behind the moves aimed at strengthening our internal front is our desire to keep Turkey away from the threats and dangers in our region. In a period where tensions are rising and social fault lines are being stirred, we must focus on our common points, not our differences, as a nation."

SEDNAYA: THE TORTURE CENTER OF THE ASSAD REGIME

According to reports published by international organizations, it is stated that Sednaya Military Prison, located 30 kilometers from the capital Damascus and affiliated with the collapsed regime's Ministry of Defense, was transformed into a base for holding anti-regime peaceful protesters and anti-regime military elements after the events of March 2011.

Reports indicate that the regime officials in the prison systematically organized the silent killings of thousands of people they detained. Reports revealing that the regime carried out extrajudicial executions through "mass executions" in the prison noted that between 2011 and 2015, approximately 50 people were hanged every week, sometimes every two weeks.

Reports also show that the regime deliberately kept those detained in Sednaya under inhumane conditions, tortured them repeatedly, and systematically deprived them of food, water, medicine, and medical care. The 2017 investigation by Amnesty International revealed that the murders and torture in Sednaya since 2011 were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in the country and were carried out as part of the regime's policy. Amnesty International concluded in its report that the violations by the officials of the collapsed regime in Sednaya constitute crimes against humanity.