The Unsolved Murders of 10 People from Kobani Protests in Diyarbakır
Ten years have passed since the tragic events known as the Kobani protests shook Diyarbakır, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals. Among the victims were Yasin Börü and three of his friends, whose murders were swiftly solved, leading to convictions. However, the killers of the other 10 individuals remain at large a decade after the incident.
The Turmoil of October 6-8, 2014
The Kobani protests in Diyarbakır on October 6-8, 2014, escalated into chaos as armed groups took control of the city. Sur, Bağlar, and Yenişehir districts became the epicenter of clashes that spread throughout various parts of the city. Exploiting the pretext of ISIS’s attack on Kobani, PKK sympathizers targeted public institutions and bank branches, setting them ablaze. Despite reinforcements from neighboring cities, violence persisted, with attacks on Hizbullah-affiliated associations and HÜDA-PAR buildings. Simultaneously, Hizbullah supporters retaliated against individuals perceived as PKK sympathizers.
The Tragic Loss of Lives
Amid the clashes, 14 individuals lost their lives, prompting the deployment of tank units to restore order. Yasin Börü and his friends were swiftly identified and their killers brought to justice. However, the perpetrators behind the killings of the other 10 individuals remain unidentified even a decade later. The murder cases of these victims lie dormant in the dusty shelves of Diyarbakır Courthouse, awaiting closure.
The victims, including Turan Yavaş, Cumali Güneş, Mahfuz Enes, Süleyman Kale, Yusuf Tokur, Mahsum Çoban, Uğur Özbay, Baver Şeyhanoğulları, Mesut Menekşe, and Murat Dağ, met their tragic ends in a series of brutal attacks. Despite detailed police reports and investigation files, the perpetrators behind these murders continue to evade justice.
Among the victims, Turan Yavaş, an ex-Hizbullah convict and HÜDA-PAR member, was gunned down by PKK sympathizers while distributing sacrificial meat. Cumali Güneş, a healthcare worker from Şanlıurfa, fell victim to a gunshot wound outside the Köy-Der building during an attempted arson attack. Mahfuz Enes, allegedly affiliated with the Menzil sect, was fatally shot while walking with his wife in Sur district, targeted for his attire. Süleyman Kale was reportedly killed by Hizbullah supporters during clashes with PKK sympathizers. Yusuf Tokur was caught in the crossfire during the protests and fatally shot, with the assailant’s identity still unknown.
Mahsum Çoban was allegedly killed by Hizbullah members during the intense armed confrontations, while Uğur Özbay succumbed to a gunshot wound amidst ongoing protests. Baver Şeyhanoğulları fell victim to a fatal shooting during the clashes between Hizbullah and PKK supporters. Mesut Menekşe, who participated in the Kobani protests, passed away at home the next day under disputed circumstances, with allegations of exposure to police tear gas. Lastly, Murat Dağ was shot during the demonstrations in Bağlar district, with his killers remaining unidentified to this day.
The unresolved murders of these individuals highlight the lingering wounds of the Kobani protests, underscoring the need for closure and justice for the victims and their families. Despite the passage of a decade, the quest for truth and accountability continues in Diyarbakır.
