Peace Mothers lose their lives in traffic accident

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Yesterday, a traffic accident occurred in Hakkari, resulting in the loss of lives of Adalet Safalı, Perişan Akçelik, and Perişan Akçelik's son Cihan Akçelik, who were members of the Barış Anneleri (Mothers for Peace) group. Furthermore, lawyer Erdal Safalı sustained injuries.

Earlier, on August 15, a total of 23 individuals, including members of the Barış Anneleri, were detained during house raids in Hakkari and its districts.

Peace Mothers/People members Adalet Safalı, Perişan Akçelik, Perişan Akçelik's son Cihan Akçelik, and lawyer Erdal Safalı were en route from Yüksekova to Hakkari city center to provide statements to the Prosecutor's Office regarding the investigation following the house raids. However, they were involved in an accident on their return journey.

Adalet Safalı and Perişan Akçelik lost their lives at the accident scene, while Cihan Akçelik and Erdal Safalı were critically injured and taken to Hakkari State Hospital for treatment.

Cihan Akçelik passed away before reaching the hospital, while lawyer Erdal Safalı was initially taken to Yüksekova State Hospital and later transferred to Hakkari State Hospital's intensive care unit. From there, he was further transferred to Van during the night.

Adalet Safalı was laid to rest in Memkava (Değerli) Village yesterday evening. Perişan Akçelik and her son Cihan Akçelik will be buried in Yarinşahê (Güvenli) Village today.

Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar, Co-Spokesperson of the Green Left Party; Saliha Aydeniz, Co-Chairperson of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP); Green Left Party members of parliament, and leaders announced that they will be visiting Yüksekova today to offer condolences.

The HDP Women's Council released a statement: "We received the sad news that Adalet Safalı and Perişan Akçelik, members of the Peace Mothers/People lost their lives in a traffic accident while returning to Yüksekova after providing statements in Hakkari. Additionally, Perişan Akçelik's son Cihan Akçelik, who was severely injured in the same accident, also lost his life despite all efforts. We extend our condolences to their families and all our fellow activists and people. We will keep our promise to the mothers who never give up on advocating for peace despite all forms of oppression. Your struggle is our struggle." (AS/NT/PE)