President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan published a message of condolence regarding the armed attack at a middle school in Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş, in which 9 people lost their lives and 13 people were injured. Describing the attack by 14-year-old Isa Aras Mersinli as a “terrible incident”, Erdoğan emphasized that the incident will be clarified in all its dimensions.
”The case will be brought to light”
Expressing his condolences for the students and teachers who lost their lives in the attack, President Erdoğan said, “We lost our brilliant children and a devoted educator. I wish mercy from Almighty Allah to our lost lives; I wish patience to their grieving families and condolences to our education community.” Stating that public prosecutors, property and education inspectors are carrying out investigations meticulously, Erdoğan said justice will be served.
”It should not be used as a material for political polemics”
The President reminded that the relevant ministers (National Education, Family, Interior, Justice and Health) were immediately dispatched to Kahramanmaraş and emphasized that the pain should be kept above politics. “It is a moral as well as a conscientious duty not to make such an attack a material for political polemics and rating concerns. There can be no politics in grief,” Erdoğan said and called for common sense.
Disinformation and Critical Warning to the Media
Asking citizens to rely only on official statements, Erdoğan stated that disinformation posts should be avoided. Following this message, the Presidency of Communications and RTÜK also warned media organizations with simultaneous statements.
While the Directorate of Communication drew attention to the fact that depicting violence and highlighting the identities of the victim and perpetrator may create an encouraging effect, RTÜK stated that the most severe sanctions will be imposed decisively against broadcasting that negatively affects the mental health of children. It was emphasized that all units of the state are on the ground in coordination and security and psychosocial support processes are being meticulously carried out.
Editor: Dilek Bozkurt