Police attack miners protesting in Ankara

The Turkish regime continues persecuting miners who are demanding their rights. Police in Ankara attacked mine workers who had been dismissed in 2011. Although there is a right to compensation, it has not been paid out to date.

The former workers of a mine of the Uyar Mining company have been fighting for compensation for years. Together with the independent trade union Maden-Iş, mine workers set off from Manisa to Ankara on Sunday. The mine had been closed in 2011 due to major safety deficiencies, and many workers had already been laid off before that. 743 of them are still waiting for compensation.

The miners gathered earlier today to march towards the Parliament to voice their demand. The police attacked the workers as they marched to the Parliament. The miners reacted to the police by chanting slogans and breaking their helmets.

“SUPPORT US”

The miners made a statement following their action. Maden-İş member Başaran Aksu pointed out that they have been fighting for their rights for 15 years.

“We are not slaves, we want equality,” Aksu said.

“Anyone can enter Ankara, but we are not allowed. What did we do? Did we steal? Are we murderers? We are calling out to the people of Turkey: support us.”

The miners are still waiting at the entrance of Ankara.