CHP leader Özgür Özel: The Soma case must be retried

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel stated that the case regarding the mining disaster that occurred in Soma on May 13, 2014, must be retried.

Visiting the Soma Municipality on the 10th anniversary of the mining disaster, Özel expressed that they had shouldered a great pain together in the district and mourned alongside the families of Soma.

Noting that they have stood with the families in their search for justice, Özel stated that he followed 87 hearings with the families, that the case was concluded without the responsible parties receiving the punishment they deserved, and that the trial regarding public officials has only just begun.

Emphasizing that they will pursue justice to the end, Özel said, "The Soma case must be retried. If the Soma case is not retried, if this unconstitutional interference with justice is not addressed, there can be no normalization in Turkey. If I leave the blood shed in Soma unavenged, I will not be able to rest in peace. If Özgür Özel closes his eyes to life before justice comes to Soma—which he cannot—he will die with his eyes open."

Stating that they see ensuring justice in the Soma case as a debt to Hüseyin Bayramoğlu, known as "Ecevit," who is recognized in the district for the Turkish flag he carries, Özel added the following:

"This is a debt of conscience to Ecevit and to Soma. When I look at him, I see the memory of the 301 miners. I see their mothers. I see their children. From now on, we will not forget the pain of Soma; we will hold those responsible accountable. From now on, things will improve in Soma. We have already entrusted Soma to someone who can handle these matters best and who feels this issue as deeply as I do."