JINHA

MANISA–The women of Soma, led by those who lost their husbands in the mine explosion that killed 301 people, marched for International Working Women's Day.

Around 300 women wore mining helmets and chanted "long live women's solidarity" in the small town in Manisa province where criminal neglect and poor working conditions killed 301 on May 13, 2014.

Wives of the miners demanded that a case be opened against those responsible for the disaster. Women also called for compensation for miners who were laid off.

"It's been 10 months since my husband left this life," said Türkan Kavas, the wife of Ali Kavas, one of the 301 miners killed by the explosion. "Our children who were unborn at the time never saw their father's face. I will take that which is my children's right from the state, as sure as I put my husband underground. There needs to be a case immediately."

"It's not just the ones working at the company who are guilty," said NurselKocabaş, who lost her husband, Mustafa Kocabaş. "We want the inspectors and supervisors tried."

Nursel announced that this May 13, they would hold a march for Day of Commemoration of the Miners.

(fk/cm)