On first anniversary of Dilovası massacre, families demand: Released defendants must be re-arrested

On the first anniversary of the tragedy that occurred on November 8, 2024, at the Ravive Cosmetics workshop in Dilovası district of Kocaeli, in which seven workers—three of them children—lost their lives, families, unions, and women's organizations gathered in the city square and marched to the workshop. According to a report based on MA, the commemoration emphasized that released defendants must be re-arrested and the struggle will continue until all those responsible are brought to trial.

Ali Yıldız, son of deceased Tuncay Yıldız, stated that the workshop's working conditions did not comply with regulations and expressed a complaint against municipal officials who failed to carry out their inspection duties. Aytekin Gikan, husband of Esma Gikan, voiced his objection to the release of Ali Osman Akat, whom he said was a principal defendant in the case.

Vedat Taşdemir, father of 15-year-old Nisanur Taşdemir, said that he lost his daughter while battling cancer, stating "My daughter's blood will not go to waste. Let them give me justice." His mother, Altun Taşdemir, requested that the hearings be held at Gebze Courthouse instead of Kandıra, which is difficult to access.

İlknur Yıldız, wife of Tuncay Yıldız, who demands that all responsible parties be tried, stated that judges and courts "released the murderers right before our eyes," saying she does not forgive anyone and that all those responsible must be tried. İbrahim Esetoğlu, father of Cansu Esetoğlu, noted that over the course of one year of litigation, employers have been protected, and demanded that all responsible parties be held accountable.

Selda İlgöz, who read a joint statement from women's organizations, emphasized that working hours reaching up to 16 hours per day, failure to implement worker health and safety measures, and lack of oversight created conditions for deaths. The statement demanded that employers, production companies and brands, and public officials who neglected their inspection duties be tried.

DEM Party Women's Council Spokesperson Halide Türkoğlu stated, "Justice has remained monopolized by some. We must somehow break the wheels of this system." DEM Party Kocaeli Deputy Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu criticized inspection authorities while noting that the workshop building was demolished within two days of the massacre.

In the case, four public officials were released on September 10, 2026; an indictment for seven public officials was prepared on July 21, 2026.