Turkish state forces are hindering Roboski residents from commemorating the victims of the massacre of December 29, 2011 which claimed the lives of 34 Kurdish civilians, mostly children in the border village in Şırnak's Uludere district.

Turkish soldiers have blocked the entry and exit points of the village in addition to the road leading to the Roboski Cemetery where the victims are buried. A number of armored vehicles have been deployed across the village.

Turkish forces conducted house raids and detainments in Roboski village before the 5th anniversary of the massacre in the village yesterday.

Hikmet Alma, brother of Nadir Alma who among the victims, and Ubeydullah Encü, father of Muhammet Encü who was also massacred, were taken into custody during house raids conducted by gendarmes yesterday.

Two days ago, Roboski Association Head Veli Encü, brother of Serhat Encü who was among those massacred, was taken into custody alongside victim Hamza Encü’s sister Taybet Encü, peace activists Yannıs Vasilis Yaylalı and Meral Geylani.

The detainees were taken to Uludere Gendarmerie Command. Army members from Gülyazı Regiment Command threatened the families of the victims that those detained would be jailed in the event that they hold a commemoration.