Police's attacks during Suruç massacre commemoration events on parliamentary agenda

Photo: PİRHA

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Muş MP Şevin Coşkun has submitted a parliamentary question to Minister of Justice Abdülhamit Gül, asking whether an investigation was opened against police officers who attacked those commemorating the one who lost their lives in the Suruç massacre in 2015.

CLICK - Police attack Suruç Massacre commemorations in Ankara and İstanbul

"On July 20, 2015, 33 young people who came together in Suruç district of Urfa to take the toys they collected to children in Syria were killed by a bomb attack by ISIS. In the fifth year of the massacre, commemorations, events and demonstrations were held in various provinces. Police intervened in the commemoration events held by Suruç Families Initiative in Ankara and İstanbul," he said.

He pointed out that the police officers who inflicted violence on demonstrators could be identified as they were clearly seen in videos.

"If [an investigation] has not been started, what is the reason for that?" the MP asked.

"Those who opened a banner that read, 'Justice for Suruç, justice for everyone' were surrounded by the police and journalists and citizens were prevented from shooting videos.

"The youth's flags, banners and the photographs of those who lost their lives were torn down by the police. Nearly 80 people were detained and tortured in Ankara and İstanbul.

"A young woman being kicked and dragged from her hair is shown in the footage broadcast in the media."

Coşkun asked the following questions to the minister:

While the perpetrators of the Suruç massacre are still not found, what is the reason for preventing the commemorations and demonstrations for those who lost their lives?

While there was no action against the law on meetings and demonstrations, for what reason did the police illegally intervene?

What is the basis for the torture that occurred during the marches and detentions while Turkey guaranteed with the conventions it signed that it would act in accordance with the prohibition of torture?

What is the reason for the detention of attorneys who tried to reach their clients during their detention?

How many people were detained and how many were released during the commemoration events held in Ankara and Istanbul on July 20? (SO/VK)