Protocol reaction from the martyr's father at the October 29 ceremony: 'Where were we in the spotlight?'

The seating arrangement in the protocol at the ceremony held for the 103rd anniversary of the Republic in Eskişehir created controversy.

Alişan Şahin, the father of Gendarmerie Specialist Corporal Şükrü Şahin, who was martyred in 2015, reacted to the placing of martyrs' families in the back rows of the protocol.

Arguing that the relatives of the martyrs were not shown the necessary respect, Şahin rebelled against the situation he experienced during the ceremony.

'WHEN WE WERE REMEMBERED, WHEN WE WERE THE CROWN OF HEAD?'

Criticizing the seating arrangement in the protocol, Alişan Şahin said:

"Why are you pushing us to the corner? What kind of protocol is this? I am the father of the honorable martyr Şükrü Şahin. Such a mistake cannot be made! A person's patience only goes so far. Where were we remembered? Where were we honored? Where did our hearts burn? Is this how it burns?"

'I GAVE MY SON FOR THIS COUNTRY'

Stating that the families of martyrs have difficulty in making their voices heard, Şahin continued his words as follows:

"If I don't shout here, you won't hear our voice anywhere else, it won't be claimed. Shame on me. I gave my son for this country. My hearth has gone out. But I said again, thank you for my homeland and my nation."

Şahin's reaction brought to the agenda the debate about the places reserved for the families of martyrs at the Republic Day ceremony.