An atrocious terror has committed in Ankara, Turkey which has taken the lives of at least 128 people. What makes this bombing more cruel and shocking, apart from the numerous number of the victims, is the fact that this has committed against the people who were joining a peace rally to call on the government to stop the armed attack on the PKK and call for freedom and peace.
The peace rally was mainly attended by members of the DISK and KESK, progressive trade union organisatiions in the country, which are strongly believe that the terrorist attack was backed by the government. DISK, KESK, TTP and TMMOB have called for a general strike for Oct 12 and 13, calling for peace. . KCTU extends its deepest condolences to the victims and expresses strong solidarity to the workers in Turkey who devote themselves to the struggle for freedom and peace. KCTU also demand to hold the perpetrators accountable. Terrorist action against people calling for peace are not unacceptable at all for any reason.
This is not the first ever massacre in Turkey. Kani Beko, the president of DISK said “We are not unfamiliar with these massacres. On May Day 1977, in the town of Maras (where they massacred the Alevis), In Sivas (where the Muslim mobs lynched and burned to death folk singers and artists), and only recently the killings in Diyarbakir and Suruc (where socialist youth taking toys to Kurdish children) we have seen similar attacks.”,
We have lost our friends here, in a meeting that was authorized 20 days ago. We will continue struggling until this fascist JDP-AKP government and the tradition of murders are held accountable. We will be following the developments until they are held responsible“, defining Turkish government as ”fascist government“. Serious testimonies have been raised by the citizens. A physician, affiliated to the TTP said “while the physicians the Health Workers Union were calling for blood donations, the government announced there was no need for blood.” and many others said the riot police interrupted when ambulances approached the site and even repressed the peace protesters. These testimonies should be noted by the international society. The Turkish government should suggest a convincing explanation.
KCTU once again extend deepest condolences to Turkish people and hope that the general strike organised by trade unions who have been fighting against injustice could advance freedom and peace in the country. International organizations of workers, including ITUC, PSI BWI and IUF have expressed their support and solidarity for the general strike. Workers in the world are resisting the power and greed of the capital, violence and untruth. KCTU are also fighting against the false labour reform, which is led by the corporate greed. Workers in the world will be united and our struggle should win. This is the way to go of humankind who have fight for peace, freedom and human rights.
Oct, 12, 2015
Korean Confederation of Trade Unions