90 massacred in blasts ahead of peace rally
ANKARA (DİHA) - Two explosions have hit the area of thousands who gathered outside Ankara railway station for a peace rally organised by KESK, DİSK, TMMOB and TTB. Reports say over 90 people have lost their lives and some a hundred have been wounded.
The minister said during a televized press meeting that 62 people died at the attack scene in addition to 24 people who died at the hospitals. Some 18 people were under surgery as 28 others were in intensive care, the minister said.
However, Interior Minister Selami Altınok ruled out any responsibility, saying that he did not consider resignation. Altınok said there was some brief information on the type of the attack and the organization behind it, but he would not share it due to intelligence concerns.
The blasts were at the two sides of the exit of the main train station in the city, where the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) supporters were gathering. The cause of the blasts was not immediately clear.
The police fired in the air to disperse protesters from the scene. Citizens angered by the attack on their fellow activists shouted "police murderers", but were then dispersed as the forces intervened.
Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaorğlu said Turkey does not deserve this, also announcing that his party has cancelled all events today. The party is ready to lend any support to end terrorism, he said. "We are ready with all our power," he said. "We have to spend joint efforts," he said.
Council of Europe Secretary General Jagland has condemned the attack. “The news from Ankara this morning is shocking and disturbing. This is a ruthless and barbaric attack on peaceful demonstrators. I express my condolences to all who have lost their friends and loved ones. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental pillars of democracy", said Jagland in a written statement.
The rally was organized by the Confederation of Public Sector Trades' Unions (KESK), Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK), Turkish Medical Association (TTB) and Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB).
(nt)
