Seyit Rıza and his comrades were executed 87 years ago in Wheat Square in Xarpêt (Elazığ). They were commemorated in Dêrsim (Tunceli). Dêrsim Labor and Democracy Platform gathered at Art Street and marched to Seyit Rıza Square with a banner reading “We have never forgotten anything, we have never forgiven anything Xo virra meke! (Remember!)” and a banner with photos of the murdered, accompanied by laments. Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Deputy Group Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, DEM Party Peoples and Beliefs Commission Co-Speaker Yüksel Mutlu and Dêrsim MP Ayten Kordu also accompanied the march. 

 

PSAK Association Dersim Branch Chair Ali Ekber Kaya commemorated Seyit Rıza and his friends. The program began with a moment of silence after the prayers and the lighting of the torches.

 

'APOLOGIZE AND REVEAL THE GRAVE SITES'

 

Speaking on behalf of the Dersim Labor and Democracy Platform, Ergin Tekin said that Seyit Rıza, his son and his comrades were executed on November 15, 1937 with hasty decisions and commemorated those who lost their lives. Stating that although 87 years have passed, they still feel the pain of those who lost their lives, Tekin said that the Dêrsim Genocide was the biggest of the Eastern Reform Plan. Tekin said that the systematic assimilation in Dêrsim still continues. Stating that the Dêrsim Genocide is still ongoing, “There has still not been an official apology and all archives have not been released,” Tekin said. 

 

Tekin reminded Erdoğan's statement “If an apology is to be made on behalf of the state, I apologize” and said that this was used as a political tool, but the necessary action was not taken. Tekin said that an official apology must be made and demanded that Seyit Rıza's grave site be revealed. 

 

Afterwards, speeches were made by faith groups commemorating those who lost their lives. Seydali Polat, the son of Seyit Rıza's grandson, said: “Our children who grow up after us will one day be held to account for this. We commemorate all the martyrs of the revolution with respect.”  

 

PLEDGE TO CONTINUE THE STRUGGLE

 

DEM Party Group Deputy Chairperson Koçyiğit stated that the assimilation policies of the government continue. Koçyiğit said that Dersîm's nature is being plundered and demanded that the location of Seyit Rıza's grave be revealed. 

 

Underlining the need to stand side by side and speak out against oppression today more than ever, Koçyiğit continued as follows: “We need to oppose oppression wherever it occurs. We need to fight against oppression, against the policies of force.  We know that they will not give us anything unless we fight. We will fight for our rights, democracy and freedoms. No matter what happens, we will never leave our fate, our future at the mercy of the AKP-MHP alliance. Our historical duty and responsibility from today to tomorrow is to stand upright, to stand side by side, just like Seyit Rıza. We will continue to walk this path with the strength we draw from history.”