Lawyers representing victims of the Cizre (Cizîr) curfews of 2015-2016 have called for a swift and fair ruling from the European Court of Human Rights that acknowledges crimes against humanity committed during the military operations.
Ramazan Demir, one of the lawyers handling the case, said, “Our expectation is a fair and speedy judgement that recognises crimes against humanity.” He highlighted the urgency of addressing alleged violations that resulted in hundreds of deaths, including dozens of civilians killed while trapped in basements during curfews imposed by Turkish forces.
Demir criticised Turkey’s Constitutional Court for previously dismissing complaints related to the incident, which he described as a failure to deliver justice. He said the European court’s renewed request for Turkey’s defence offered a crucial opportunity for accountability.
“The European court must consider independent human rights reports and ensure a thorough, impartial investigation that honours the victims and their families,” Demir added.
The case centres on the curfews imposed by the Turkish military on the Cizre district of Şırnak (Şirnex) between late 2015 and early 2016, during which at least 288 people lost their lives amid intense clashes. The operations severely restricted safe evacuation for civilians and access to food and medical aid.
For years, investigations within Turkey have faced criticism for delays, lack of transparency, and decisions to dismiss key evidence. Lawyers hope the European court’s intervention will mark a turning point toward justice and recognition of the gravity of the abuses endured.
