12 October 2015, Monday 07:30

Deadly terror attacks plunges Turkey into deep shock and mourning

The most deadly terror attacks in Turkey’s history on Oct. 10 have plunged the nation into deep shock and mourning, after twin bombs claimed the lives of almost 100 people, each with unique personal stories that ended tragically in an Ankara square while calling for peace.

Although the official death toll was 95 as of late Oct. 11, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) claimed it was 128, with fears that it could further increase given the number of seriously wounded still under intensive care in Ankara hospitals.

The bodies of around 70 victims of the deadly blasts were handed to their families on Oct. 10 after the completion of autopsy procedures in tears and amid clamors of their beloved. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu declared three days of national mourning after the twin blasts close to Ankara’s main train station.

Thousands of people, many chanting anti-government slogans, gathered in central Ankara yesterday near the scene of bomb blasts.

The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), a major presence at the 10th October march, said police attacked its leaders and members as they tried to leave carnations earlier at the scene. Some were hurt in the melee, it said in a statement.

"Murderer (President Tayyip) Erdoğan", "murderer police", the crowd chanted in Sıhhiye square, as riot police backed by water cannon vehicles blocked a main highway leading to the district where parliament and government buildings are located.

The government denies any suggestion of involvement.

"We are in mourning for peace," said the front-page headline in the secularist Cumhuriyet newspaper as three days of national mourning declared by the prime minister got underway. "Scum Launch attack in Ankara," said the Habertürk newspaper. "The goal is to divide the nation," said the pro-government Star.

source: Turkish media