HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu has called for stronger school security and broader social measures to prevent violence following an armed attack near a school in Turgutlu district of Manisa province that injured 11 students.

In a written statement, Yapıcıoğlu expressed sorrow over the incident and wished the injured students a speedy recovery, extending his support to their families and the wider education community.

Yapıcıoğlu said responsibility for school security primarily rests with the state but argued that preventing violence among young people requires measures beyond policing and physical security.

“The security of our schools is the primary responsibility of the state; however, protecting our children is not possible through police measures alone,” he said.

He called for changes in the education system that, in his view, would place greater emphasis on moral and social development and help young people avoid violence and what he described as moral decline.

Yapıcıoğlu also called for greater attention to the role of families in preventing violence and said the family institution should be strengthened.

He urged parents and public institutions to take greater responsibility for preventing violence and peer bullying, while calling for a broader set of measures to address risks facing students.

“A comprehensive approach—from preventing access to weapons, to combating peer bullying, and increasing guidance services—must be put into effect urgently,” Yapıcıoğlu said.

He added that preventing similar incidents would require cooperation among families, schools, public institutions and wider society.

Yapıcıoğlu concluded his statement by offering a prayer for the protection of children.

The incident in Turgutlu has prompted renewed discussion in Türkiye about security around schools, access to weapons, peer violence and the role of families and education institutions in preventing violence among young people. (ILKHA)