27.07.2026 14:21
The cause of the armed attack during a cemetery visit in Batman, which resulted in the deaths of three people, has been revealed. The Batman Governor's Office announced that the incident was a continuation of a murder that occurred in May, deemed to have stemmed from a "matter involving a girl." Two suspects have been detained in connection with the horrific event.
Three members of the same family who lost their lives in an armed attack yesterday at the Asri Cemetery in Batman's Çamlıca District were laid to rest in a funeral ceremony. While the investigation into the incident continues, the Batman Governor's Office has issued a statement regarding the cause of the incident.
GUNFIRE OPENED DURING CEMETERY VISIT
In the incident that occurred yesterday evening at the Batman Asri Cemetery in Çamlıca District, gunfire was opened with pistols by individuals allegedly hostile to the group visiting the cemetery. In the armed attack, AK Party Batman Central District Executive Board Member Mehmet Direk (61), his son Ercan Direk (27), and his nephew Ebubekir Direk (26) died at the scene. The injured, A.G. (50) and M.E. (22), were quickly taken to a private hospital by their relatives and treated.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE STATEMENT ON "HOSTILITY"
Making an official statement on the matter, the Batman Governor's Office shared the reason behind the massacre with the public. According to initial assessments, it was stated that the armed attack was linked to a murder that occurred in the city on May 16, 2026, thought to stem from a "girl issue" and resulting in one death. The Governor's Office emphasized that yesterday's attack was a continuation of this old hostility.
The statement indicated that security forces immediately intervened after the attack, and two suspects believed to be connected to the incident were apprehended and taken into custody. It was reported that within the scope of the extensive judicial investigation coordinated by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, efforts continue unabated to clarify all aspects of the incident and bring other responsible parties to justice.
AK PARTY'S NASIROĞLU: OUR COMRADE, HIS SON AND NEPHEW LOST THEIR LIVES
Mehmet Direk, who lost his life in the armed attack at the Batman Asri Cemetery, was learned to be a member of the AK Party Batman Central District Executive Board. AK Party Batman Deputy Ferhat Nasıroğlu also published a condolence message on his social media account. Nasıroğlu said, "I have learned with great sorrow that our Central District Executive Board member, our valuable comrade Mehmet Direk, his son Ercan Direk, and his nephew Ebubekir Direk lost their lives as a result of the heinous armed attack they faced at the Asri Cemetery. This sad incident has caused deep sorrow for all of us. I pray for God's mercy for our deceased brothers; patience and condolences to the Direk family, their relatives, loved ones, and our organization."
BURIED IN THE CEMETERY WHERE THEY WERE ATTACKED
The bodies of Mehmet Direk, his son Ercan, and his nephew Ebubekir Direk, who lost their lives in the attack, were handed over to their families after autopsy procedures at the Batman Training and Research Hospital morgue.
In a bitter coincidence, the three deceased individuals were brought to the Batman Asri Cemetery where they were attacked, and after the funeral prayer held there, they were laid to rest amidst tears. The funeral ceremony was attended by the grieving family and their relatives, as well as AK Party Provincial Chairman Hüseyin Şansi and many party members.