Since October 7, the occupying Israeli forces have been committing an unprecedented genocide in the Gaza Strip. During this genocide, carried out before the eyes of the entire world, the occupiers are not only dropping bombs on the people of Gaza but also destroying infrastructure, pouring concrete into water wells, and attempting to psychologically break the people of Gaza.

While this is the situation in Gaza, the Freedom Flotilla, formed by people of conscience from around the world, came together to put an end to the genocide in Gaza and to raise awareness by delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza with the ships in the flotilla.

Ships from countries like Norway, Australia, Sweden, and Italy were joining the Freedom Flotilla that was set to sail to Gaza. The *Vicdan* ship was one of the ships that was set to depart from Turkey.

However, despite all the preparations being completed and no document deficiencies, the *Vicdan* ship was unlawfully and unjustly denied the port exit document required for it to set sail.

Had the *Vicdan* ship set sail, it would have held awareness protests with European activists at European ports, and then turned its course towards Gaza to create international public pressure against the occupying Israeli forces.

For approximately 45 days, the Mavi Marmara Association sought its rights through legal channels and attempted to complete the departure process of the ship through diplomatic negotiations. In the face of all these adversities and illegalities, the association began the Freedom Vigil at Gate C of Haydarpaşa Port by chaining it, demanding the exit document for the *Vicdan* ship. This vigil has been ongoing for 8 days and will continue until an official response is received from the Ministry of Transport.