MARDIN, — Firat Izgin a 15-year-old high school student set himself on fire on yesterday to protest the strict isolation of Kurdish national leader Abdullah Ocalan.
Izgin wrote a letter left behind, in which he said: “I am performing this action by getting permission from Mr. Ocalan and all the people of Kurdistan. I am immolating myself for my people.”
Izgin’s body was buried in his village following an autopsy at Mardin State Hospital. The funeral of young boy was attended by Kiziltepe Deputy Mayor Şerife Alp, Nusaybin Mayor Ayshe Gokkan, BDP Mardin district and provincial executives, MEYA-DER representatives as well as a great number of people.
The letter Izgin left behind was read by Midyat City Council member Mehmet Emin Akay following the burial ceremony; “I want to be the voice of peace; just like our comrades who burnt themselves with the same purpose…I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for my death. Cover my grave with the Kurdistan flag. My most sincere loves and respects to all Kurdistan people and guerrillas,” the letter said.
The letter was followed by a moment of silence and slogans “Martyrs are immortal”. Speaking here, MEYA-DER representative Ramazan Kalkan said that; “Our hearts have been hurt once again today. No matter young or old, the pain of all died people is the same. Despite our disapproval of this act, the Kurdish youth shows their loyalty to the struggle in this way. This is the greatest resistance displayed against the isolation of the Kurdish people.”