14 Years and No Justice in Gazi Massacre

During the last 14 years, authorities failed to bring those responsible from Gazi massacre to justice and despite strong expectations, the Ergenekon case isn't evolving in a manner to accomplish such, said Contemporary Lawyers' Association (ÇGD).

The association emphasized that the authorities in power during the incident are to face charges. On March 12, 1995 Nahit Menteşe was the Minister of Interior, Hayri Kozakçıoğlu was the governor of Istanbul, Chief of Police Department was Mehmet Ağar and Istanbul chief of Police was Necdet Menzir. Last three became MPs later; Menzir even took the position of Minister of Interior.

One of the two police officers condemned after the incident and who was forced to leave the police department after 11 years, Adem Albayrak had stated that, "Menzir, Ağar and Kozakçıoğlu directed the operation," yet only him and a colleague got prison sentences.

After 14 years, Ağar is now on trial for organizing an armed gang.

At the first indictment of the Ergenekon case, Gazi massacre comes up as follows. In page 254, a witness whose identity is kept secret says that former army general Veli Küçük was involved in the planning of a gunned attack towards the cafes in Gazi district. He also cites names of Sedat Peker and Osman Gürbüz.

Also in page 260, infamous mafia leader Sedat Peker is allegedly insults several known former special force members and talks about the incident. He names Ayhan Çarkın, Korkut Eken and a Semih.  

On March 12, 1995, several people in a vehicle opened fire to five cafes in Gazi district, where the population is mainly Alevites. One person died, dozens were injured.

During the protests that followed, police fire killed a total of 21 people in Gazi and in other parts of Istanbul. 

A court found two police officers guilty; they were released from prison in 2002. The European Court of Human Rights condemned Turkey to a total of 510 thousand euros in dmages, upon an application by the victims' families.(EÜ/AGÜ)