An attempted coup in Turkiye on 15 July 2016 resulted in huge repercussions for thousands of ordinary civilians in the country who suddenly found themselves targeted.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued an emergency decree in the wake of the failed coup resulted in over 160,000 public sector workers and civil servants being instantly fired from their jobs. Their licences were revoked, while others were suspended indefinitely from their work.

Those fired included 21,000 teachers working at private institutions, 7,000 healthcare professionals and 2,745 judges and prosecutors. They were all accused of having links to proscribed groups and were not given any opportunity to challenge the president’s decree and clear their names.

The decree meant many like Yasemin, a doctor, and Engin, a teacher, were suddenly left facing an uncertain future.

Released last year, Kanun Hükmü [The Decree] is a documentary film that follows the fate of Yasemin and Engin in the aftermath of President Erdoğan’s decree.

The film’s screening in Brighton is being hosted by the Brighton and Hove Amnesty group, and will be followed with a Q&A with the film’s director Nejla Demirci.

Screening Details

Title: Screening and Q&A “The Decree” / Kanun Hükmü

Language: Turkish with English subtitles

Date: Tuesday 23 April 2024

Times: Event starts at 7pm and finishes at 9.30pm. The film’s running time is 96 minutes.

Venue: Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF

Admission: This is a free event but prior registration is needed.

Tickets: reserve your spot via Eventbrite – click here.