Turkish Earthquake Protesters chanted: We won’t forgive government

Protesters chanted: “We won’t forgive, we won’t forget,” as thousands gathered to mark first the anniversary of the earthquake that killed over 59,500 people.

On Tuesday, at 04:17 am – the exact hour a deadly earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, killing over 59,500 people – thousands gathered in Turkey’s Antakya, Hatay to mark one year anniversary of the tragedy.

The Antakya protesters attempted to block a road and clashed with the local police, reported AFP. Participants chanted: “We won’t forgive, we won’t forget,” citing the shortcomings of the government’s efforts in restoring life after the disaster.

At least 4 million buildings were damaged or destroyed during the twin quakes of 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude in February 2023.

The province of Hatay experienced some the most severe damage from the earthquake, being one of the total 11 areas in Turkey’s south declared disaster zones