Victims of 2015 Ankara massacre commemorated

A commemoration event marking the 73rd month of the 10 October massacre was held in front of the Ankara Train Station where terrorist attacks by two ISIS suicide bombers killed 103 people attending a peace rally in the Turkish capital.

Relatives of the victims and injured people attended the commemoration which started with a moment of silence for the victims. Mehtap Sakinci Coşkun, head of 10 October Peace Association, said that they will continue to be in front of the train station on the 10th of every month and that they want a monument to be erected in the square.

‘THEY ARE ATTACKING US ON OUR WORST DAY’

“A list of persons set to attend the commemoration was requested from us, a curious request that does not apply to any commemoration event in Turkey. Each year, on the anniversary of the worst day of our lives, we are faced with tear gas, police violence and threats. We will criticize this crackdown against us as much as we can since it is against human rights,” Coşkun said.

Coşkun stated that the families of the victims are subjected to violence on the anniversary of the massacre every year, adding, “The psychological and physical violence we are subjected to every year will no longer be accepted by us. The state authorities should apologize and respect our pain. We have been through a lot so far. People do not come here to celebrate the anniversary of their beloved ones. Blood was spilt here where people were killed. We are coming to this area to change something in the 6th year of the massacre.”

‘WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN’

“We are here to question the state’s apathy that has not changed for 6 years since the massacre. The victims did not lose their lives in this massacre for nothing. They came to a peace rally in this area. They were murdered for promoting peace against chaos. We will do whatever we can for them. The state authorities should not expect us to lower our voices and give up on our demand for justice. The next hearing of the case will be held on November 24, and we will be in the courtroom. We will not allow them to close the October 10 Massacre case,” Coşkun concluded.