Those who lost their lives in the Pirsûs Massacre were commemorated in front of the Amara Cultural Centre where the massacre took place. Speakers emphasized the need for accountability and the establishment of a truth and justice commission.
Zeynep Yaman, who was subjected to police violence in Istanbul’s Bayrampaşa district, said her baby was born prematurely after being kicked in the stomach by a police officer. “Doctors said there might be issues with my baby’s heart and brain. My baby experienced state violence before even born,” she said.
Ramazan Arı, Vice Chair of Şêx Seîd (Sheikh Said) Association, who watched the weapons destruction ceremony of the Peace and Democratic Society Group, emphasised that the policies of denial and assimilation should be ended.
Mehmet Özkan, the father of Uğur Özkan, who lost his life in the Pirsûs (Suruc) Massacre, said: "I couldn't name my son Hogir. I wanted him to change it himself when he grew up, but it didn't happen. Their turning towards Kobanê was an act of humanity."
85-year-old Sıddık Güler, a seriously ill prisoner, has been released from prison.
A commission planned to be established in the Parliament has been decided to be set up on the initiative of Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus. It is learnt that the commission will consist of at least 44 members.
The release of Hasip Avşar, a 30-year prisoner, who is being held in Aksaray T-Type Closed Prison, was postponed for the second time for 3 months by the decision of the Administration and Observation Board.
Journalists Tolga Güney and Melike Aydın were acquitted of charges of “terrorist organization membership”, while Delal Akyüz was sentenced to six years and three months in prison.
As part of the “Democratic Society Meetings” organized by the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, approximately 50,000 people were reached through 25 meetings held in Ankara and Konya. According to DBP Central Anatolia Co-Spokesperson Ensar Bozkurt, “Central Anatolian Kurds fully support the process.”
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus and representatives of political parties came together for the planned establishment of a commission in the Parliament.
Families of Hüseyin Nas and Tacdin Işık, who were part of the Peace and Democratic Society Group that laid down arms on July 11, said they support peace and trust Abdullah Öcalan, stating: “The world saw Öcalan’s power for peace, both in theory and practice.”
Rahime Turan, a member of the Peace Mothers Initiative and mother of a guerrilla killed in 2016, called for a secure and honorable return process for the PKK fighters who recently laid down arms. "This disarmament must lead to peace. We want no more tears from mothers," she said.
Speaking on the 13th anniversary of the Rojava Revolution, PYD Foreign Relations Spokesperson Salih Muslim emphasized that the Autonomous Administration offers a democratic model for the Middle East. “We are not surrendering to anyone. What’s needed is a change in mentality,” he said.
It has been reported that hundreds of women were kidnapped during attacks on the Lazkiye, Tartus, Homs and Hama regions of Syria and their whereabouts are unknown.
Despite ongoing attacks, the Rojava Revolution continues to stand strong in its 13th year. PYD Co-Chair Perwîn Yusif emphasized that the changing Damascus administration remains committed to denial policies, stating, "We will not step back from the rights we have won."