Democratic Alevi Associations (DAD) Ankara Branch commemorated the 42nd anniversary of the Maraş Massacre carried out between 19 and 26 December 1978. Democratic Party of Rights (HDP) Adana Deputy Tülay Hatimoğulları attended the commemoration held in DAD Ankara Branch, and so did representatives of democratic organizations in the city.

Speaking at the commemoration, which started with a minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the massacre, DAD member Pınar Alpay said: “Indeed, this land has become a land of massacre, exile, cultural genocide for us Alevis, Kurds, the oppressed and the victims. It is important not to forget the massacres and not to let them forget. However, in this land, it is possible to confront the single-man mentality by organizing and deepening the struggle for truth.”

HDP Deputy Tülay Hatımoğulları said: "We will not forget Maraş. It is our duty to build an environment for peace and stability so that such massacres do not happen again. Turkey needs to confront the truth."

Researcher and author Özcan Öğüt made a presentation on the events of the Maraş Massacre

Mersin

HDP Mersin Provincial Organization commemorated those who lost their lives in the Maraş and “Return to Life” massacres.

HDP Mersin Provincial co-chair Mehmet Alış recalled the Maraş Massacre.

Noting that prisons are also one of the important social problem areas, Alış said: "On 19 December  2000, a massacre took place in 20 prisons. It was called "Operation Return to Life". As a result of the 3-day operation, 30 prisoners were killed and hundreds were injured. The operation was carried out by 10,000 officers. Prisons are a bleeding wound today too!”