Diyarbakır business leaders protest armed attacks, demand severe penalties

Business leaders in Diyarbakır have strongly condemned a recent spate of armed attacks targeting local businesses, including a shooting at a jewelry store in the Sur district. The Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mehmet Kaya stated that these attacks are perceived as an assault on the entire city, particularly its business community.

“

We consider this attack as an attack on Diyarbakır. We want the gang activities to end as soon as possible.

Kaya emphasized that the attacks aim to disrupt the city's economic stability, recalling past instances in the 1990s when businesspeople were allegedly threatened and driven away. He praised the local governor and police for their close attention to the incidents and expressed confidence in their ability to identify the perpetrators. Business owners staged a one-day closure to send a message of resilience, asserting their commitment to remaining in Diyarbakır.

“

We will absolutely not allow these gangs and their extensions. Diyarbakır will not yield to these gangs.

Appealing to the Turkish Parliament, Kaya urged for legislative action to implement the harshest possible penalties for those involved in such criminal activities, especially when minors are used. He highlighted that local efforts alone are insufficient to deter these groups and stressed the need for stronger legal frameworks. Diyarbakır Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen Union President Alican Ebedinoğlu echoed these sentiments, stating that the recent attacks are not just against businesses but against the city's peace. He vowed that they would not tolerate or bow to these criminal elements, challenging them to show themselves in Diyarbakır's squares.

“

We are calling on the Parliament to take action as soon as possible to make legal and legislative düzenlemeler and give the heaviest penalties.