Deniz Tekin
Photo: The families of the murdered journalists and the DEM Party delegation have been waiting at the Habur Border Gate for two days to retrieve the bodies.
Families of two journalists killed in Syria, Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, have been waiting at the Habur Border Gate on Turkey’s southeastern border for two days to bring the bodies back to Turkey. The group, which includes family members and representatives of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, has been denied entry into Iraq to collect the remains. Lawyer Fırat Taşkın criticized the situation, saying, "They have gone as far as shutting down the border to prevent the bodies from being brought to Turkey." DEM Party Member of Parliament Kamuran Tanhan remarked, "Turkey has an obligation to accept its citizens' bodies into the country."
Disputed assurances before the border standoff
Tanhan stated that prior to traveling to the border, they had engaged with Turkish ministries, receiving assurances that no obstacles would be encountered. "We were told, 'There will be no issues, and all necessary facilitation will be provided.' However, everything changed once we arrived here from Nusaybin. Since then, they have created every imaginable obstacle," he said. Tanhan also described how his parliamentary vehicle was subjected to an X-ray scan on alleged smuggling suspicions, calling it "humiliating."
Allegations of political motivations
Tanhan highlighted that the obstructions at the border appear arbitrary and politically motivated. "Only the area where we are stationed has been closed for passage, while civilians are being redirected to other locations," he noted. Despite further discussions with officials from the Interior and Foreign Ministries, their calls and messages have since gone unanswered.
Call for legal and moral accountability
The MP emphasized that international and domestic law prohibits Turkey from refusing to accept its citizens or their remains. "People have the right to be buried and mourned in accordance with their religious beliefs, traditions, and customs. Denying this is a violation of their rights and dignity," he said, calling for immediate adherence to legal and moral responsibilities. "Facilitation must be provided to bring the bodies back without further delay."
The families and delegation remain at the border, awaiting resolution.
