Following the bomb attack this weekend in Istanbul, the Minister of Interior said ‘we will avenge’ the strike, and today the long-ongoing crackdown against our party has accelerated.
In Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Mersin, Adana, Antep, Urfa, Hakkâri and Manisa, 216 party executives and members were detained in the early morning through raids on their houses. The exact figure is remains unclear as detentions continue. In addition to our provincial co-chairs in Istanbul, Ankara, Adana and Hakkâri, a large number of district co- chairs and executives were also detained. Our party building in Istanbul was being completely plundered at 04.30 in the morning and there graffiti was left on the wall that read ‘we came, you were not here’, ‘we will come again.’ Such messages were also written in Sur, Cizre and Şırnak during the curfews.
Yesterday, Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu made an announcement on the bomb attack in Istanbul where many people lost their lives. Soylu said that: “right away tomorrow, the first priority of the security forces of the Republic of Turkey is to take revenge on those who did this, on land, in the air, at sea, wherever they are”. Less than 24 hours after this statement, such a comprehensive aggression against our party took place and this will result in nothing more than an escalation of social and political polarization.
As a matter of fact, the Central Executive Committee of our Party, in its message of condemnation published immediately after the bomb attacks, gave a warning about this kind of approach: “We condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. We feel a great sadness and share the pain. We would like to express our condolences for the deceased and wish a fast recovery to the wounded, and our deepest sympathy for the families. Everyone must do their part to end this pain and prevent new ones from happening. It is necessary to immediately end the politics, language and tones that produce more tension, polarization, hostility and conflict.”
Hişyar Özsoy
Vice Co-chair of HDP Responsible for Foreign Affairs Deputy for Bingöl
Peoples' Democratic Party – Representation in Europe