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Representatives and members from a confederation of public servants’ unions visited the Şenyaşar family on Wednesday as they observed day 533 of their vigil for justice in the southeastern Şanlıurfa (Riha) province, Mezopotamya Agency reported.
Public Servants’ Unions Confederation (KESK) women’s assembly members from the neighbouring Diyarbakır (Amed) province joined the vigil the Şenyaşars began in March last year over the deaths of 3 family members and unfair imprisonment of another.
The family was targeted in their shop ahead of the 2018 presidential elections, when a discussion with ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) MP İbrahim Halil Yıldız’s family members descended into a shootout. One family member lost his life on site, while two others were killed in a second brutal attack in the emergency room of the hospital they were taken to for treatment.
In the incident, the step brother of the MP was also killed by a bullet that was fired from an unidentified gun. Following the deaths, son Fadıl Şenyaşar was arrested. The family believes the investigation did not cover the deputy’s side as thoroughly.
Mother Emine Şenyaşar has been holding silent vigils to demand justice for her husband and two sons, and for the targeting of her family.
“This vigil for justice is a symbol, a guiding light for all who seek justice and their rights across the country,” KESK Diyarbakır Women’s Assembly Spokeswoman Esra Adem Hak told reporters at the vigil in front of the court house.
One day before the KESK visit, the Şenyaşars were surrounded by riot police units and threatened with arrest for holding what the police said was an unlawful protest in front of a public office, according to news website Duvar.
The family’s request to meet with the prosecutor in their case was not met.
The Şanlıurfa governor issued an order on 8 August banning protests in front of public offices, effectively targeting and banning the mother and son duo’s vigil.
Turkey’s main opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu spoke at a meeting of his Republican People’s Party (CHP) last week about the family’s efforts, calling for the capture of those responsible for the deaths.
“This woman seeks only justice. She does not speak Turkish, the only word she knows is justice,” Kılıçdaroğlu said. “Murderers roam free while this woman sits alone, with a banner that reads ‘justice’. Where is our humanity if we as a society cannot meet this demand?”
