Head of Amed Bar Association, Tahir Elçi, has released the report prepared by a bar delegation assigned to investigate the clashes that took place in Cizre district of Şırnak on August 27. The delegation was comprised of three lawyers, Kutbettin Odabaşı, Servet Özen and Burhan Deyar who prepared a 20-page report involving interviews with eye witnesses.

Speaking at a press conference at the headquarters of the Bar Association, Elçi gave information about the forensic report prepared by Diyarbakır Training and Research Hospital regarding the cause of death of health worker Eyüp Ergen (30), DEDAŞ (Dicle Electricity Distribution Corporation) officer Mesut Sanrı (30), Emin Yanaş (10) and 7 years old Baran Çağlı who lost their lives during the conflict in Cizre on August 27.

Elçi said forensic reports revealed that three civilians Eyüp Ergen, Mesut Sanrı and Emin Yanaş lost their lives as a result of firearm – by professional snipers according to the conclusion they themselves reached- while the cause of death of 7 years old Baran Çağlı would be clarified by the report to be prepared by Istanbul Forensic Institution.

According to the report, it is by no means possible to open fire on the military area from the neighborhood and street where Sanrı, Yanaş and Ergen were killed.

Elçi said all the streets in Cudi, Nur and Sur neighborhoods leading to the main street in Cizre were closed by either trenches or barricades and the entrances into the neighborhoods were not allowed. He remarked that the people were not disturbed by these trenches but rather supported them for hindering police forces from entering the neighborhoods to detain and harm the people, just like what happened during the 90's. He noted that people felt uncomfortable and insecure and had concerns over the increase of detentions and arrests.

The report of the Amed Bar Association highlighted the following points;

* Health worker Eyüp Ergen, who was wounded during the incidents remained at scene under fire for a long time, while health-care teams were not allowed to enter the neighborhood for security reasons, because of which he died of blood lose.

* Scene investigation team did not arrive at the scene even 24 hours later, nor did examine the car in which Ergen lost his life.

* No effective investigation into the reason of murders was carried out.

* Testimonies of the eye witnesses must immediately be taken.

* The soldiers who were present in Cizre Tank Battalion in Nur neighbourhood on the day of the incident must be identified and probed.

* Road closures and digging of trenches will not contribute to the solution which requires establishment of dialogue with the PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan.