IZMIR - Deniz Poyraz, who was murdered on 17 June 2021 in Izmir in an attack on the People's Democratic Party (HDP) Izmir provincial office by a perpetrator named Onur Gencer, was commemorated at her grave on the anniversary of her death. 

 

Deniz Poyraz's family, friends, Peace Mothers, Free Woman Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA), as well as many representatives of political parties, democratic mass organisations and citizens attended the commemoration held at Buca Kaynaklar Cemetery.

 

The commemoration started with a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and democracy.

 

Speaking at the commemoration, Peace Mother Müzeyyen Kortak expressed her respectful remembrance for those who lost their lives in the person of Deniz Poyraz and said: "Our martyrs are our honour and crown of our heads. We will continue on their path as long as we exist. Deniz was murdered for no reason. We do not accept this. As mothers, we are following the path of our martyrs."

 

'WE WILL RAISE THE MEMORY AND STRUGGLE OF DENIZ'

 

Taking the floor afterwards, DEM Party Amed (Diyarbakır) MP Adalet Kaya stated that the pain of Deniz Poyraz's murder is still fresh. Emphasising that the murder of Deniz Poyraz and the attack on the provincial building was an organised attack, Adalet Kaya said: "This attack was an attack against peace, equality and the will to live together. Deniz was the representative of millions of people. This attack was a political attack. This attack was a reflection of this mentality. They tried to silence the voices of women, Kurds and workers, but they could not and will not succeed. Deniz was young and loved life. He had a dream of an equal life. Today we are not only mourning, we promise again that we will raise Deniz's name, memory and struggle. Justice, truth and honourable peace were fought for in these lands. I commemorate Deniz and all the martyrs of freedom with longing, love and respect. We will grow their struggle and labour and live their memories."

 

'WHEN I SAY I AM TIRED, DENIZ COMES TO MY MIND'

 

Deniz Poyraz's mother Fehime Poyraz took the floor afterwards and emphasised the importance of struggle and said, "This struggle is the struggle of women and youth. If we join hands, no one can defeat us. Kurds have a high head, they have been hurt. They fulfil their responsibilities under any circumstances. When I say I am tired, I think of Deniz's face. I will always come here." 

 

The commemoration ended with the slogans "Şehid namirin (Martyrs Don't Die)".

 

After the commemoration, a cinevision show was made in DEM Party İzmir provincial building.