Because the last time I saw my family was 2015. Sometimes I even forget what they look like, you know? It's so hard to communicate with them. Because Turkish police raided my house. They took electronics away, computers away. They wanted to see if I'm still in contact with my family or not. Any single text, they will all be in jail.

In this quote, Enes Kanter opens up about the emotional and personal challenges he faces due to his strained relationship with his family. He reveals that the last time he saw them was in 2015, and the difficulty of communication has caused him to sometimes forget what they look like. This emotional disconnection highlights the painful consequences of being in a tense political situation, where even contact with loved ones can have dangerous repercussions.

Kanter explains that his family has been subjected to harassment and scrutiny by Turkish police, who raided his house and confiscated electronics and computers in an attempt to find evidence of communication with him. This invasion of privacy and control over his personal life was part of an effort by the Turkish government to monitor and suppress dissent, especially from those like Kanter who are critical of the government. The quote reflects the fear and vulnerability that comes with being under surveillance, with the potential consequences of communicating with family members being severe, including the possibility of his family facing imprisonment.

The origin of this quote comes from Kanter's outspoken criticism of the Turkish government and his support for political freedom. As a Turkish-born NBA player, he became a vocal critic of the regime of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which led to significant personal consequences. Kanter has faced threats and legal actions from the Turkish government, including the revocation of his passport, and has lived in exile due to his outspoken views on human rights and freedom of expression.

Ultimately, this quote underscores the harsh realities of living under a regime that stifles dissent and punishes those who speak out. Kanter’s personal story reflects the difficult emotional toll of being separated from family and the constant fear of repercussions for even the smallest acts of communication, illustrating the broader impact of political repression on individuals and their loved ones.