Court Ruling on Dersim Massacre

Erzincan High Criminal Court revoked the nolle prosequi ruling on the case Dersim Massacre, where 24 victims from two different families were killed. The Court decided to effectively investigate into the case. 

Bones found during the construction of mausoleum

Baran and Canan Families from Karabakır Village in Hozat County of Dersim Province demanded for the constructing of mausoleums for their 24 relatives who died in Dersim Massacre on 14 August 1938 on the spot where they died. After some human bones were discovered during excavations, the two families applied to Hozat Chief Public Prosecutors’ Office for identifying the bones. However, Prosecutors’ Office ruled nolle prosequi under the claim of statute of limitations.

Family lawyer Cihan Söylemez objected the rule of Erzincan High Criminal Court. Eventually, the court revoked the nolle presqui by a majority of vote and made a decision of an effective investigation into the case.

“Age of bones is to determine”

The court stated that Hozat Chief Public Prosecutors’ Office assumed that bones belong the year 1938 without technically analyzing foundlings. In addition, the court stated that in the case of finalization of the decision it would violate constitution, law, and rights of appealers, which are recognized through humanitarian rule of law. The court revoked the decision of Hozat Chief Public Prosecutors’ Office, which doesn’t require the prosecution. (EA/MUY/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.