8 Demands by Tunceli Bar Association On Dersim Massacre

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Tunceli Bar Association has issued a written statement due to the 80th death anniversary of Seyit Rıza, who was executed during the Dersim massacre.

The association shared a list of demand concerning the people who were killed, kidnapped and displaced.

Demands of the bar association

Tunceli Bar Association listed the following demands in its written statement:

- An official apology be made and shared with the public

- The whole truth concerning the Dersim period during the years of 1937-38-39 be shared with the public

- An official statement be made that rehabilitates honor, dignity and rights of the beloved ones of those who were killed.

- Whereabouts of the disappeared be searched

- Responsibilities be taken as to the incidents during 1937-38-39 and an apology be made to the public

- A commemoration be held for those who died in the massacre

- Violations that occurred during and after the Dersim period in 1937-38 be included in the documents about law on international human rights and law education and studies

- A guarantee be issued for the aforementioned violations not to occur again

About Seyit Rıza

Even though exact birth date of Seyit Rıza is unknown, it is commonly accepted that he was born in 1863 in Pulur Lirtik Village.

He was executed on November 15, 1937.

In addition to Rıza, 58 people were tried at Independence Court set up in Elazığ. The defendants weren’t given the right to defend themselves.

The notables of Dersim were tried on charge of “sedition”. Six people including Seyit Rıza were sentenced to capital punishment. The other defendants were sentenced to lifetime imprisonment. (EKN/TK)