Berlin Calls for Trial of Sivas Massacre Suspects in Germany

Die Linke MP Ferat Koçak, along with Berlin State Parliament candidates Betül Havva Yılmaz and Yurtsever Özdemir, visited BAT-Cemevi as part of a campaign demanding the trial of Sivas Madımak Massacre suspects residing in Germany. During the meeting, the legal process, the signature campaign, and racism against Alevis were discussed.

The Berlin Alevi Community (BAT)-Cemevi, operating in Berlin, hosted the Die Linke delegation as part of ongoing efforts to prosecute Sivas Madımak Massacre suspects living in Germany.

Die Linke MP Ferat Koçak, along with Berlin State Parliament Neukölln parliamentary candidates Betül Havva Yılmaz and Yurtsever Özdemir, attended the visit. Barensel Ağca and Selin Özdemir from the TİP Germany organization also accompanied the delegation.

The delegation was welcomed by BAT-Cemevi Second President Kadir Şahin, Secretary General Deniz Yıldırım Caliman, and Women's Council representative Devrim Turan Özdemir.

Legal process for Sivas Massacre suspects discussed

The main agenda of the meeting was the legal process concerning the suspects of the massacre that took place at the Sivas Madımak Hotel on July 2, 1993, who are currently in Germany.

Kadir Şahin informed the Die Linke delegation about the ongoing efforts to prosecute the suspects living in Germany. Şahin stated that the process is intended to be conducted with a non-partisan approach, without regard to political party affiliation, and that efforts are being made to bring the issue to the attention of parliaments.

Şahin also drew attention to the ongoing signature campaign and research into the legal aspects of the matter. Expressing the view that the Sivas Massacre should be considered a crime against humanity, Şahin stated that the process for prosecuting the suspects is being carried out carefully and on legal grounds.

Initiatives for the prosecution of Sivas Massacre suspects in Germany are not new. In 2019, criminal complaints were filed with the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office against some suspects living in Germany, and an investigation was requested.

Ferat Koçak: “We are closely following the process”

Die Linke MP Ferat Koçak stated that they are closely following the process concerning the Sivas Massacre suspects and supporting the work in parliament.

Koçak stated that efforts on the issue would continue after the elections.

Berlin State Parliament Neukölln candidates Betül Havva Yılmaz and Yurtsever Özdemir, on the other hand, drew attention to the importance of the work carried out by the Alevi community in Berlin. The two candidates stated that if elected, they would continue to bring the issue of the Sivas Massacre suspects to the agenda of the Berlin State Parliament and follow the process.

Racism against Alevis also on the agenda

In addition to the Sivas Massacre, the issue of racism against Alevis (Anti-Alevitischer Rassismus) was also discussed at the meeting.

BAT-Cemevi Secretary General Deniz Yıldırım Caliman stated that they have received numerous complaints regarding racism against Alevis in recent years and expressed their desire for the issue to be brought to the agenda of the Berlin State Parliament more comprehensively.

Ferhat Koçak also stated that he could contribute to research and awareness-raising efforts on the issue, adding that the matter of anti-Alevi racism could be included in the agenda of a post-election meeting on racism.

BAT-Cemevi's work introduced

Following the meeting, Kadir Şahin informed the Die Linke delegation about the history, establishment process, and ongoing work of BAT-Cemevi. The delegation was also introduced to the cemevi's worship and activity areas.

The parties exchanged views on carrying out joint projects and new initiatives in the coming period. The visit reportedly concluded with discussions on continuing mutual contacts.

At the end of the meeting, Kadir Şahin and Deniz Yıldırım Caliman extended their best wishes for success to Betül Havva Yılmaz and Yurtsever Özdemir in the Berlin State Parliament elections on September 20, 2026.

Regarding the latest legal developments in Turkey concerning the Sivas Massacre, the Constitutional Court had ruled in July 2026 that the procedural aspect of the right to life had been violated.