The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has set up concolence tents and spaces at its provincial and district offices in several cities in memory of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, a member of the İmralı Delegation and DEM Party Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who recently passed away. 

 

Condolences began receiving visitors from various segments of society, especially members of the Peace Mothers Assembly. At the condolence spaces, candles were lit and carnations were placed beside a photo of Önder displayed on a memorial table. Women and youth visited the spaces set up in district offices from early morning hours to offer their condolences. 

 

In Êlih (Batman), many citizens and women who visited the condolence area were overcome with emotion and vowed to carry on Önder’s struggle for peace. 

 

In Şirnex (Şırnak), posters bearing Önder’s words “Em te jibîr nakin” (We will not forget you) were hung at provincial and district offices. 

 

In Colemêrg (Hakkari), hundreds visited the mourning sites early in the morning. 

 

At the DEM Party's Wan (Van) provincial office, a poster with Önder’s message “Farewell, may we all be consoled” was hung. In Van, mourning will continue for two days.

 

MOURNING IN HIS HOMETOWN OF SEMSÛR 

 

A condolence area was also set up in Önder’s hometown of Semsûr (Adıyaman). Many civil society organizations and political party representatives began visiting the DEM Party provincial office there from the early morning. 

 

‘THE JOURNEY HAS ENDED ONLY PHYSICALLY’

 

In Amed (Diyarbakır), the condolence site was established at the DEM Party provincial office in the Peyas (Kayapınar) district. It was visited by district mayors, members of the Peace Mothers Assembly and citizens. Co-chair Gülşen received concolences along with Co-chair Abbas Şahin. “He passed away while fighting for democracy and peace. This journey has only ended in the physical sense. His spirit and deeds will be remembered throughout history. Those who struggle for peace never truly die. They may leave us physically, but remain forever. Our condolences go to the Kurdish people and all peoples. May his soul rest in peace.”

 

DEM Party has established mourning spaces in Amed, İzmir, Colemêrg, Mêrdîn (Mardin), Şirnex, Wan, Agirî (Ağrı), Semsûr, Adana, Antalya, Hatay, Êlih, and Sêrt (Siirt), with visits from many individuals and institutions continuing.