The Dersim Associations Federation (DEDEF) and the Democratic Alevi Association (DAD) issued a written statement concerning Murat Yıldız, who is reported to have died in an air attack by the Turkish army in Ağaçpınar village, where he had gone to build a shelter for his animals in Ovacık district, Dersim province.

The DEDEF statement pointed out that the deaths of civilians have surged following the military operations and clashes in the city.

“These operations violate our right to life. Attacks against civilians remain unpunished. Civilians have been killed in military operations carried out in past years in different provinces. No investigation has been carried out until now. We demand that effective and sufficient investigations be carried out against those responsible, and the people of Dersim be informed about all judicial and administrative processes," the statement said.

'MASSACRES HAVE BEEN CONTINUING SINCE 1938'

The DAD reminded that Seyit Rıza's young son Resik Hüseyin had also been executed in front of his eyes and noted that the family is still being subjected to a "massacre" even after 84 years.

"Since 1938, massacres have been going on. The persecution of Dersim is systematically spreading over time. We are almost killed by instalments. It is time to get together. People should raise their voice wherever they are, so that the perpetrators are found and tried as soon possible, so that more young people are not lost, so that mothers do not cry," the statement said.