Death toll of attack on school in N Kurdistan rises to 9

On Wednesday, an armed attack targeted the Ayser Çalık Middle School in the city of Marash in northern Kurdistan. According to investigations, the perpetrator was identified as an eighth-grade student named Esa Aras Mersinel.

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced that the death toll had risen to nine, with 13 others injured, six of whom are in critical condition.

The motive for the attack remains unclear. Schools in Marash were closed for two days following the incident.

The Central Executive Council of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) issued a written statement regarding the armed attacks targeting schools in the Siverek district of Urfa and Marash.

The statement indicated that the attacks over the past two days constitute a "serious warning" and reveal political responsibilities. It emphasized that violence is not merely an individual problem, but is fueled by factors such as the discourse of violence in society, poverty, income inequality, and existing policies.

The statement also drew attention to the murders of women, workplace abuses, and the spread of drugs. It argued that targeting educational institutions reflects a serious social crisis, and the party called for the formation of a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry committee, stressing the need for an independent and transparent investigation from all angles, and for taking serious steps to address violence among children.

Sh-S

ANHA