ERZÎROM – Ali Rıza Arslan, whose son’s bones were delivered to him in a box seven years after his death during curfews, spoke about the ongoing peace process. “Those who suffer and are victims like me want peace,” he said.
Arslan’s son, Hakan Arslan, died in 2016 during curfews in the Sur district of Amed (Diyarbakır). It wasn’t until 2022 that his remains were returned in a box, sparking reactions from many groups after Mezopotamya Agency shared footage of Arslan carrying the box. Three years later, Arslan calls on everyone to work towards the success of the Kurdish issue’s resolution process.
EVERYONE SUFFERS FROM WAR
Arslan explained that he frequently visited Amed after his son’s death and faced pressure on the day he received the remains but has faced no further pressure since. He expressed hope for the peace process: “A good peace will come. A parliamentary commission has convened. The Kurdish and Turkish peoples must no longer endure this pain. We want peace, but some groups don’t. These groups have been supported by both us and the state. Now that they have nothing left, they oppose peace. Those who suffer like me want peace. No matter what, we want peace and we fight for it.”
‘IF THE STATE TAKES A STEP, EVERYTHING WILL IMPROVE’
Supporting the disarmament and democratic political demands of the "Peace and Democratic Society Group," Arslan said, “It would be better if the state made a regulation. These people are also children of mothers and fathers. My wish is for everyone to be released from prison, including the sick and political prisoners. If the state does not act, what can the organization do? The state should release those inside and allow them to engage in politics freely. Peace depends on the state. If the state acts, everything will be fine, but it seems the state is afraid.”
‘EVERYONE SHOULD BELIEVE IN PEACE’
Arslan also mentioned that attacks on the Kurdish language and identity during the process have caused distrust: “Those who don’t believe in peace don’t believe in anything. They should believe in peace. Everyone should contribute. They attack people who play Kurdish music. The state must solve this issue. My language is Kurdish. If I speak Kurdish, why do you attack me? Everyone must be careful and strive for peace during such processes.”