The elections in Turkey will take place on 14 May. The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) as a party still does not know whether it will take part in the elections or not because of the politically motivated closure case. This is an attempt to take away the HDP’s right to politics and participation in the elections. This case, initiated by Erdogan’s regime 17 March 2021 and thus politically motivated, must not lead to a ban on the HDP.
The defence of HDP over the closure case is now scheduled for April 11. The HDP has called for solidarity against the politically motivated closure procedure on 13 March.
Below you can find the statements of parties, organizations, politicians and parliamentarians who stand in solidarity with the HDP against all arbitrary and systematic repressions and the closure cases.
Herewith we thank you all friends who stand in solidarity with us.
***
COUNCIL OF EUROPE: Unified European Left (UEL)
There can be no democracy in Turkey without justice for the HDP
“The UEL strongly condemns an eventual ban of the HDP, a party democratically elected by millions of Turkish people. The politically motivated actions by the Turkish government against the Party should immediately stop. The justice system needs to remain fully independent from politics. The HDP has proved that it fights for Democracy, Human Rights, and freedom in Europe, and the UEL group is honoured to work with them side by side in the context of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The HDP should be free to put its ideas and candidates before the electorate. Their elected members and party activists should also be free to practice their politics without being arrested on spurious excuses, and their elected mayors and councils should be allowed to carry out the roles with which voters entrusted them. The UEL calls on the Turkish government and its institutions to respect international and European law and the European Convention on Human Rights, and to show justice towards the HDP as a prerequisite for democracy.”
Source: www.gue-uel.org
EU PARLIAMENT: S&D, Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL
Solidarity statement of the Socialists and Democrats, the Greens/EFA and the Left Groups in the European Parliament with the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in Türkiye.
“(…) The closure of HDP would be an irreversible blow to the democratic system of Türkiye and its relations with the EU. People in Türkiye deserve democracy, the rule of law and human and civil rights, including political pluralism, as well as the freedoms of association, assembly and expression. That is why we are committed to a democratic Türkiye, where all political parties can operate freely.”
Source: www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu
EU PARLIAMENT: GUE/NGL – The Left in the European Parliament
“Solidarity with HDP! Together with S&D & Greens/EFA, we condemn in the strongest terms the attempts to ban the Peopleʼs Democratic Party and its representatives from politics in Türkiye.”
Source: Twitter + www.left.eu
EU PARLIAMENT: Nacho Sánchez Amor (MEP, S&D, Spain), European Parliament Standing Rapporteur for Turkey
“The final hearing for the defense of HDP was postponed to 11th April by the Constitutional Court but the risk of the party being banned just ahead of elections is very real. It would be a devastating decision for Turkey’s democracy and EU-TR relations.”
Source: Twitter
EU PARLIAMENT: Malin Björk (MEP, GUE/NGL, Sweden)
“Erdogan’s regime tries to silence all opposition in Turkey – in particular in view of the upcoming elections. The aim now is ban the prokurdusish left party HDP. This is the moment for all democratic forces in Europe to speak out in #SolidarityWithHDP + #StopProsecutionOfHDP”
Source: Twitter
EU PARLIAMENT: Andreas Schieder (MEP, S&D, Austria)
“The remaining democracy tendencies in Turkey are at stake right now. HDP, as one of the biggest oppositions, needs our solidarity more than ever. Even though the party is qualified for the election ballot, it could be banned by the regime before election day. These intimidation attempts by the Turkish regime against HDP are unacceptable.”
Source: Twitter
EU PARLIAMENT: Idoia Villanueva (MEP, Vice-chair GUE/NGL, ES)
“Erdogan’s persecution of the HDP and the democratic opposition in Turkey is growing. In Podemos we stand in solidarity with the Kurdish people, we demand an end to the repression of the HDP and guarantee fair elections. #SolidarityWithHDP”
Source: Twitter
EU PARLIAMENT: Nikolaj Villumsen (MEP, Vice-chair GUE/NGL, DNK)
“Erdogan must stop the prosecution and oppression against the leftwing and pro-Kurdish HDP party in Turkey! Stop the prosecution of HDP! Solidarity with HDP!”
Source: Twitter
EU PARLIAMENT: Jordi Solé (MEP, Greens/EFA, ES)
“From the European Parliament I send all my solidarity to HDP. This party is under the threat of illegalization by the Turkish judiciary, in a politically motivated trial that has been going on for 2 years #StandWithHdp”
Source: Twitter
EU PARLIAMENT: Thijs Reuten (MEP, S&D, Nederland)
“As HDP is still being threatened with a ban in a politically motivated trial, we continue to stand by them as I did at their July congress on behalf of the S&D Group in EP, the PES. Read today’s joint statement by S&D Group, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL #SolidarityWithHDP”
Source: Twitter
EU PARLIAMENT: Leïla Chaibi (MEP, GUE/NGL, FR)
“The anti-democratic drift at work in Turkey is deeply worrying. Political plurality is an essential condition for democracy. The illegal attacks against the HDP and the systematic persecution of the Kurdish people must stop!”
Source: Twitter
EUROPE: European Free Alliance (EFA)
EFA stands with the HDP: “In an international show of solidarity, the European Free Alliance has joined partners across Europe and further afield in expressing our support and solidarity with the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) who face being banned by the government of Turkey. The HDP advocates a democratic and pluralist Turkey, in which people live in freedom and justice, for a society in which equality prevails. The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups, and ecology are important aspects of what the HDP stands for. We demand that the authorities in Turkey end the politically motivated trial against the HDP. (…)”
Source: www.e-f-a.org
EUROPE: European Green Party
Mélanie Vogel, co-chair of the European Green Party and French Senator
Vula Tsetsi, committee member of the European Green Party
Mina Jack Tolu, committee member of the European Green Party
“The Turkish government’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies are unacceptable. Attempts to curtail democratic opposition parties and civil society have no space in modern democracies.
We stand in full solidarity with HDP and Turkish civil society. (…) The political motivated trial against HDP, Turkish parliament’s third largest party, which might lead to its ban from Turkish political life, ahead of the general elections in May 2023, is the culmination of the government’s clampdown on political freedoms and dissent. We call on the Turkish Constitutional Court to finally drop these fabricated charges against HDP and allow it to fully play its role as a democratic actor in Turkey.”
Source: www.europeangreens.eu
EUROPE: Party of European Socialists (PES)
“We stand in solidarity with our associate party HDP, who are facing a politically motivated trial initiated by President Erdogan threatening to ban them from the upcoming elections in Turkey. This is a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. We must protect the political participation of HDP and their millions of voters.”
Source: Twitter
EUROPE: Party of European Socialists (PES) Group Committee of the Regions
“PES-Party of European Socialists We express our firm support to HDP as legitimate democratic political organization fully committed to defend the rule of law and human rights in Türkiye”
Source: Twitter
AUSTRALIA: Socialists Alliance
“(…) The anti-democratic and hate-mongering regime of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is determined to suppress the HDP and all other expressions of popular democracy in Turkey and has used a corrupted judiciary to carry out a sustained campaign of repression against the HDP and its allies over many years. The HDP’s leaders, parliamentarians, mayors and other local government representatives have been removed from office and imprisoned after they were democratically elected.(…)”
Source: socialist-alliance.org
AUSTRIA: Katharina Kucharowits, SPÖ, MP
“Since 2021 we have been calling on the BR in the Austrian Parliament, especially Minister A. Schallenberg, to condemn and stop the ban on the HDP. It is politically motivated by Erdogan. We hear nothing from the minister. Erdogan wants to silence the HDP. I call on you again, use all bilateral and European levels to condemn this ban procedure, Mr A. Schallenberg. Now! The procedure is still ongoing.“
Source: Twitter
CYPRUS: New Cyprus Party (Yeni Kıbrıs Partisi – YKP)
As YKP, we declare our solidarity with HDP against the closure case: “Under such conditions, the HDP’s closure case has been ongoing for the last 2 years. Knowing that there will be an election in 2023, the courts are trying to put the HDP’s base, which has a significant voting rate, under pressure by keeping the date of the HDP closure case close. Under conditions where 14 May has been announced as the election date, the postponement of the HDP trial to 11 April is a dangerous process (…) The New Cyprus Party also states that it supports the decisions taken by the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus against the closure of the HDP and declares that it is a party to the joint struggle to be put forward (…)The New Cyprus Party once again expresses its support for the ongoing struggles for the withdrawal of the closure case against the HDP and the release of all arrested politicians, and underlines its solidarity.”
Source: www.ykp.org.cy
DENMARK: ENHEDSLISTEN
“The Turkish regime has put the democratic opposition party, HDP, on the dock to have it shut down so that it cannot participate in the upcoming elections. It will deprive millions of people in Turkey of their democratic choice. No to closing HDP. No ban on HDP!”
Source: Twitter
FRANCE: LFI – NUPES Parliamentary Group
In Support of Free and Fair Elections in Turkey – No to Criminalisation of the HDP: “This Tuesday, March 14 (postponed April 11th), the Constitutional Court will have to rule on the procedure aimed at banning and dissolving the HDP. Turkey, a member of NATO and of the Council of Europe, cannot continue to get bogged down in this anti-democratic decline without some form of reaction on our part. We call on the international community and the French government to press for an end to the prosecution and criminalisation of the HDP, thus ensuring the holding of truly free and democratic elections in Turkey.”
Source: lafranceinsoumise.fr + Twitter
FRANCE: French Communist Party (PCF – Parti communiste français)
Turkey: No to the banning of the Peoples’ Democratic Party!
“(…) The French Communist Party (PCF) strongly condemns the procedure of banning the HDP before an illegitimate constitutional court. It assures the HDP of its full solidarity as it works for a democratic and pluralist Turkey. The HDP acts with determination and creativity for social and ecological progress, freedom, equality of citizens regardless of their ethnic and confessional origin, but also for the emancipation of women. We demand, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the annulment of the current trial, respect for the rule of law and freedom for all peoples of Turkey.”
Source: www.pcf.fr
GERMANY: Social Democratic Party (SPD)
“We demand an end to the politically motivated court case to ban our sister party HDP. We know from our own past that you can ban our institutions, but you can never silence our ideas for equality, justice and freedom.”
Source: Twitter
GERMANY: Janine Wissler, Co-Chair DIE LINKE and Member of the German Bundestag
“Solidarity with the HDP! Together with J.L. Melenchon, J. Corbyn, Y.Varoufakis, W.Bello, M. Aubry, M.Schirdewan, I. Villanueva and many others I signed this declaration, which opposes Erdogan’s attacks on the HDP.”
Source: Twitter
GERMANY: Südschleswigscher Wählerverband (SSW) chairman Christian Dirschauer
„As a prerequisite for the values of our politics, we show solidarity and thus defend the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). In its party programme and policies, the HDP advocates a democratic and pluralistic Turkey in which people live in freedom and justice, for a society in which equality prevails. The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups and ecology are important aspects that the HDP stands for. We demand the termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial. Against this, we stand by the HDP. And plead for a democratic Turkey in which all political parties are allowed to emancipate themselves.”
GERMANY: Ricarda Lang, Federal Chairwoman of the Greens, MP
“We stand in solidarity with our friends of the HDP in Turkey. The HDP is a diverse and democratic party. Banning it would be a rejection of a democratic Turkey, the banning procedure against it must be stopped!”
Source: Twitter
GREECE: Department of International Relations & Foreign Affairs SYRIZA Progressive Alliance
“Announcement for the ongoing trial against HDP
(…)The political persecutions against the opponents of the current government are aimed at the criminalisation of political action and the intimidation of the opposition, just before the presidential elections. Especially towards the HDP, the current judicial process is the culmination of years of persecutions. Executives of its leadership, MPs, elected local representatives and ordinary members of the party, are imprisoned or in political hostage, with heavy prison sentences.
In a Council of Europe member country, the values of democracy and pluralism should be self-evident. We join those who demand an end to the ongoing politically motivated trial. SYRIZA Progressive Alliance expresses its solidarity with the struggles of HDP for the conducting of fair and democratic elections and hopes that the Court will not decide to ban its action.”
Source: www.syriza.gr
INTERNATIONAL: Progressive International
Over 50 political leaders from 23 countries call on Erdoğan to “end the legal attacks against the HDP”
Noam Chomsky (Professor, USA), Jeremy Corbyn (Member of Parliament, United Kingdom), Janine Wissler (Member of the Bundestag; Co-chair of Die Linke, Germany), Yanis Varoufakis (Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Greece), Jean-Luc Melenchon (Fmr Member of the National Assembly, France), Idoia Villanueva (MEP; Head of Podemos International Secretariat, Spain), Gonzalo Winter (Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Chile) Alejandro Sánchez (Member of the Senate, Uruguay) among those standing with the HDP and for democracy.
Source: Twitter + hdpeurope.eu
INTERNATIONAL: Progressive Alliance – Declaration of solidarity with HDP
As a prerequisite for the values of our politics, Progressive Alliance shows solidarity and thus defend the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). In its party programme and policies, the HDP advocates a democratic and pluralistic Turkey in which people live in freedom and justice, for a society in which equality prevails. The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups and ecology are important aspects that the HDP stands for. We demand the termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial, which is already a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Against this, we stand by the side of the HDP. And plead for a democratic Turkey where all political parties are allowed to emancipate themselves.
Source: progressive-alliance.info
INTERNATIONAL: ELDH European Association of Lawyers for Democracy & World Human Rights
“European Lawyers Appeal to the Turkish Constitutional Court – No Banning of HDP“
Source: eldh.eu
IRELAND: Sinn Féin’s Midlands Northwest MEP Chris MacManus and party spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD:
MEP MacManus said: “I stand with the HDP and I will be meeting them this week at the European Parliament in Strasbourg to discuss the erosion of democracy in Türkiye. The ongoing politically motivated trials of the HDP by Erdoğan must be halted immediately. This already appears to be a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and would seem to be an affront to the aspirations of a truly democratic Türkiye where all political parties would have freedom of expression.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD said:
“Sinn Féin is a party committed to the principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity. There is no doubt however, that there is a concerted campaign in Turkiye to deny the HDP access to the democratic process. We witnessed this recently during visits to Leinster House by members of the Turkish parliament, which saw members of the HDP deliberately excluded from the delegation. A matter which I vociferously protested with the visiting delegates. A decision to dissolve the HDP, is a decision to limit the democratic franchise. It is a decision to deny the citizens of Turkiye the right to vote for a particular political party. It will have the effect of undermining the legitimacy of any representative who is returned in a contest where the right to offer legitimate opposition is denied to citizens.”
ITALY: MPs of the Democratic Party in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the italian Chamber of Deputies
Laura Boldrini, Andrea Orlando, Enzo Amendola, Lia Quartapelle, Fabio Porta: “we, the deputies of the Democratic Party in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, express our deep concern about the ongoing trial in the Turkish Constitutional Court concerning the closure of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). The banning of the HDP would mean a new serious violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, as the seven parties of the political tradition on which the HDP is based have already been closed down in the past. This would therefore be yet another violation of the right to political representation in Turkey, as the party democratically voted by millions of people would no longer be allowed to participate in political competition.”
Source: hdpeurope.eu
ITALY: Italian Green Left Alliance (Alleanza Verdi Sinistra)
Members of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate of the Republic – Italy Green Left Alliance are giving Declaration of solidarity with the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP): Nicola Fratoianni, Angelo Bonelli, Eleonora Evi, Luana Zanella, Marco Grimaldi, Francesco Emilio Borrelli, Devis Dori, Francesca Ghirra, Franco Mari, Elisabetta Piccolotti, Filiberto Zaratti, Giuseppe De Cristofaro, Ilaria Cucchi, Aurora Floridia, Tino Magni: “We stand in solidarity with and defend the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), out of consistency and respect for democratic values. We therefore demand to halt the ongoing politically motivated process that calls for the banning of the party, which is already a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Against this, we stand by the HDP. We wish for a democratic Turkey in which all political parties can emancipate themselves.”
Source: https://www.sinistraitaliana.si/
ITALY: Nicola Fratoianni, MP, national secretary of Sinistra Italiana
“HDP not only represents the Kurdish people, but is the voice of all the oppressed and excluded in Turkey, the free voice of a people in an increasingly oppressed country. No one can remain silent in the face of the dastardly attempt to silence him #SolidarityWithHDP #DefendKobani”
Source: Twitter
ITALY: Laura Boldrini, Democratic Party, MP
”Together with the deputies of the Democratic Party in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies Enzo Amendola, Lia Quartapelle, Fabio Porta and the Honourable Andrea Orlando, I signed a letter in which we express our deep concern about the ongoing trial in the Turkish Constitutional Court concerning the closure of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). The banning of the HDP would mean a new serious violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, since the seven parties of the political tradition on which the HDP is based have already been closed down in the past, and this would therefore be yet another violation of the right to political representation in Turkey, since the party democratically voted by millions of people would no longer be allowed to participate in political competition’.
Source: www.globalist.it
ITALY: Fabio Massimo Castaldo (MEP, Vice-chair of EP, M5S Italy)
“Authorities in Türkiye must finally put an end to the long-lasting repression of the HDP party and give up on their attempts to close it down. Today, I stand in solidarity with the colleagues of the HDP. I stand for the rule of law and human and civil rights, for political pluralism, freedom of association, of assembly and of expression. I stand for a democratic Türkiye.”
Source: Twitter
ITALY: Potere al Popolo! (Power to the People)
“In less than a month, the defence of HDP over the closure case will be held in Ankara. We reiterate on this day of international solidarity our full support to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and we condemn the attempts to ban and criminalize the party. In its party programme and in its everyday political and social activities, the HDP advocates a democratic and pluralistic Turkey in which people live in freedom and justice, a society in which equality prevails.
The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups and of the nature against savage exploitation are central aspects that the HDP stands for. We demand the termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial against the HDP. We plead for a democratic Turkey in which all political parties are allowed to participate in the elections and to develop – without repression – their everyday social and political activities. We stay with the heroic struggle of the Kurdish people who for years have been showing us what it means to resist and fight for a world of equality, freedom and dignity for all.”
Source: https://poterealpopolo.org
NETHERLANDS: The Socialist Party, Arnout Hoekstra, General Secretary, Jasper van Dijk, MP on Foreign Affairs
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE HDP“As a prerequisite for the values of our politics, we show solidarity and thus defend the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). In its party programme and policies, the HDP advocates a democratic and pluralistic Turkey in which people live in freedom and justice, for a society in which equality prevails. The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups and ecology are important aspects that the HDP stands for. We demand the termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial, which is already a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Against this, we stand by the side of the HDP. And plead for a democratic Turkey where all political parties are allowed to emancipate themselves.”
Source: www.international.sp.nl
NETHERLANDS: Partij van de Arbeid (PvdA) – Labour Party
“The crackdown continues. Not only have members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) been imprisoned or removed from office in the last years, the party is now facing a ban altogether. The attempt to close down Turkey’s third-largest party in a politically motivated trial is illegal, undemocratic and a cowardly act. In the run-up to the case before the Constitutional Court this spring, we therefore stand firmly against this violation of the rule of law and in full solidarity with our sister party HDP. In solidarity with HDP”
Source: Twitter
NORWAY: Socialist Left Party
“Mr Erdogan’s attempt to ban the opposition clearly shows that Turkey is not a democracy. A ban would be a clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. The HDP works for a democratic and pluralistic Turkey. For the liberation of women and for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, for justice and the environment. SV is close to the HDP, but in such a vulnerable position as they are in, anyone who defends democracy should stand up for them. Today, Monday 13 March, the HDP is asking the world to show its support. For us, the answer is simple: SV stands in solidarity with the HDP! #SolidarityWithHDP #StopProsecutionOfHDP”
Source: facebook
NORWAY: Solidarity with Kurdistan Committee in Norway, Stina Bergsten and Truls Strand Offerdal, co-leaders:
“We are glad that the Constitutional Court of Turkey reversed an unlawful decision from January 2023 to freeze the main bank account of the HDP. We also urge that the Court reject the process announced for April the 11th with the aim of banning the HDP, preventing them taking part in the coming elections. HDP is today the third biggest party in the Turkish Parliament, representing both Kurds, Turks and different minorities working for a democratic and pluralistic Turkey. We will continue spread information about this crucial democratic struggle going on in Turkey, to the peoples here in Norway, as well to democratic organizations and political institutions.”
Source: solidaritetmedkurdistan.no
NORWAY: Red Party Norway, Bjørnar Moxnes, leader of Red Party Norway, Ylva Holm- Torsteinson, leader of International Dep, Red Party Norway:
“The Red Party Norway gives her expression to the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) in their struggle against the Erdogan governments attempts to close down the HDP before the elections in Turkey coming May. (…) We are glad that the Constitutional Court of Turkey reversed an unlawful demand from the governmental prosecutors January 2023 to freeze the main bank account of the HDP. Urging also that the Court in the process announced April 11th refuses to ban the HDP, preventing them taking part in the coming elections. HDP is today the third biggest party in the Turkish Parliament, representing both Kurds, Turks and different legal ethnic groups working for a democratic and pluralistic Turkey. (…) We also will inform about this crucial democratic struggle going on in Turkey, to the Norwegian public, our democratic organizations and political institutions.”
Source: hdpeurope.eu
NORWAY: Green Party of Norway
“We have a rather limited capacity right now, but we follow closely developments in Turkey, and we are spreading information, also together with “Solidarity with Kurdistan” Norway, and we are hoping the legal system can stop plans for closure of HDP. HDP is vital for Turkey!“
POLAND: Maciej Konieczny MP, Razem
“As the politically motivated trial launched against the Peopleʼs Democratic Party in Türkiye has entered its last phase, with the final defence scheduled for 11.04.2023, I express my solidarity with the HDP and condemn the undemocratic attempts aimed at its closure. The HDP advocates for a democratic and pluralistic Türkiye. They fight for freedom, justice and equality for all people. These are values I also strongly identify with. I support the HDP and demand an immediate termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial.”
Source: Twitter
PORTUGAL: Bloco de Esquerda
Bloco de Esquerda in solidarity with HDP against judicial farce in Turkey:
“After arresting its leaders and thousands of militants, the Turkish regime wants to outlaw the People’s Democratic Party (HDP), the majority party among the Kurdish electorate. The Left Bloc joins the movement of solidarity with this party.
At that time, in 2016, the party’s joint leadership was arrested. 54 MPs were accused of terrorism and 10 were arrested. By March 2018, 11,000 activists had been arrested and of these 3,000 were imprisoned. Large dozens of mayors have been removed from their posts and hundreds of councillors replaced by deputies of the interior ministry.
The Attorney General is currently seeking the outlawing of the party by the Constitutional Court and the loss of political rights for more than 600 HDP militants. The reading of the Indictment before the Constitutional Court was scheduled for tomorrow, 14/3, has now been postponed due to internal difficulties in Erdogan’s gang, who incidentally is behind in the polls for president, losing to a centrist, liberal and secular candidate.
In this difficult moment, we raise the international solidarity of democrats, as has already been done by the Council of Europe and the European Left, of which the HDP is part. Contrary to the present judicial farce, it will be the dictator who will be judged with the victory of the Turkish and Kurdish peoples!”
Source: www.esquerda.net + Twitter
SPAIN: 55 deputies from different political groups of the Congress of Deputies
“For all these reasons, the undersigned members wish to express their concern and denounce the political and judicial persecution of the HDP, as well as the rest of the opposition, activists and human rights organizations. We call for the commitment of the European institutions and member states to democracy and the separation of powers in Turkey, and to the guarantee of free and fair elections as a vital element of democracy. There is a need to open a process of dialogue and to use the political, legal and diplomatic tools available at the European level, with the aim of ensuring fair trials and guarantees for the proceedings against the HDP, an end to political and judicial persecution, and a truly democratic election process.”
Source: hdpeurope.eu + Twitter
SPAIN: PODEMOS
“This systematic persecution shows the Turkish regime’s fear of the results of the May elections, given that Erdogan’s administration is facing increasing opposition and the HDP is emerging as the third political force in terms of voting intentions and a key player in facilitating the formation of a government without the AKP (Erdogan’s party) at the helm. In an attempt to regain political ground, in recent months Erdogan’s regime has been raising the banners of nationalism and the fight against supposed external threats, pointing in most cases to the Kurdish population both in Turkey and in neighbouring countries (especially Syria and Iraq); and it is in this context that the intensification of the regime’s attacks against the HDP should also be analysed. The attempt to close down the party and thus make it impossible for the pro-Kurdish formation to compete in the next elections would be a further step in this frontal attack. It is necessary that all political forces and the international community support the end of this persecution and the need to provide guarantees (such as fair and independent judicial processes) to the processes already underway, and it is also necessary that they support the implementation of the necessary guarantees to ensure a fair electoral process. The closure of the HDP would not only be an illegal and unjust act in the face of the present of the Kurdish people and Turkish society as a whole, but also a major setback in the possibilities of democratic construction in defence of the rights of the Kurdish population and of a systemic vision in which the principles of democracy, equality and environmentalism are at the centre of the political and social challenge.”
Source: www.podemos.info + Twitter
SPAIN: Andalucía Por Sí
“As a prerequisite for the values of our politics, we show solidarity and thus defend the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). In its party programme and policies, the HDP advocates a democratic and pluralistic Turkey in which people live in freedom and justice, for a society in which equality prevails. The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups and ecology are important aspects that the HDP stands for. We demand the termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial. Against this, we stand by the HDP. And plead for a democratic Turkey in which all political parties are allowed to emancipate themselves.”
SPAIN: Laura Castel Fort, ECR, Senator, Vice President of the UEL/PACE
“We, ERC stand in solidarity with our sister party HDP, severely repressed by Erdogan’s regime in Turkey facing illegalisation and persecution of more than 108 of its leaders. Your struggle won’t be silenced!”
Source: Twitter
SPAIN: MES PER MENORCA
“MES PER MENORCA stand by and support the international campaign in order to prevent the Turkish government from outlawing the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), the lawsuit against the HDP is clearly a political case and not a legal one. As a prerequisite for the values of our politics, we show solidarity and thus defend the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). In its party programme and policies, the HDP advocates a democratic and pluralistic Turkey in which people live in freedom and justice, for a society in which equality prevails. The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups and ecology are important aspects that the HDP stands for. We demand the termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial. Against this, we stand by the HDP. And plead for a democratic Turkey in which all political parties are allowed to emancipate themselves“
SPAIN/BASQUE COUNTRY: Eusko Alkartasuna (EA)
“As a prerequisite for the values of our politics, we show solidarity and thus defend the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). In its party programme and policies, the HDP advocates a democratic and pluralistic Turkey in which people live in freedom and justice, for a society in which equality prevails. The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups and ecology are important aspects that the HDP stands for. We demand the termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial. Against this, we stand by the HDP. And plead for a democratic Turkey in which all political parties are allowed to emancipate themselves.”
SPAIN/CATALONIA: Catalan pro-sovereignty parties + Ruben Wagensberg
ERC and other Catalan pro-sovereignty parties read a statement in Parliament expressing their support for HDP.
Ruben Wagensberg, Secretary and MP Parlament de Catalunya: “We demand nullity of the trial against HDP and release of all political prisoners”.
Source: Twitter
SPAIN/CATALONIA: Esquerra – Republican Left of Catalonia
“Esquerra stands in solidarity with its sister party HDP, which is being severely repressed by Erdogan’s regime in Turkey.” “The party faces illegalisation and persecution of more than 108 of its leaders. Your struggle won’t be silenced!”
Source: Twitter
SPAIN/CATALONIA: CUP Candidatura d’Unitat Popular – (Popular Unity Candidacy)
“The Erdogan regime is trying to silence the opposition in Turkey and the Kurdish movement. The trial against the HDP, the People’s Democratic Party, resumes tomorrow. It is no coincidence that it resumes a few months after the Turkish elections. Solidarity, HDP!”
Source: Twitter
SPAIN/CATALONIA: Unitat Catalana
“As a prerequisite for the values of our politics, we show solidarity and thus defend the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). In its party programme and policies, the HDP advocates a democratic and pluralistic Turkey in which people live in freedom and justice, for a society in which equality prevails. The emancipation of women, of different ethnic and religious groups and ecology are important aspects that the HDP stands for. We demand the termination of the ongoing politically motivated trial. Against this, we stand by the HDP. And plead for a democratic Turkey in which all political parties are allowed to emancipate themselves.”
SPAIN/CATALONIA: Raül Romeva i Rueda (Economist)
” Let’s stop the political repression in Turkey. Stand in solidarity with the Kurdish people!”
Source: Twitter
SWITZERLAND: BastA! (Basels starke Alternative) -Basel’s strong alternative-
“The people in Turkey are not only suffering from the consequences of the earthquake. The country is shattered by crises. From Basel to Van, we are fighting together with the HDP for a democratic, ecological, feminist and social solution to the crises.”
Source: Twitter + www.basta-bs.ch
SWITZERLAND: Feministischer Streik Basel
“Threaten our friends and sisters Political ban and imprisonment. But without us women, inter, nonbinary and trans people, there can be no democratic solution. We are all HDP! Serkeftin ya me ye! Çözum Biz’ de! We are the solution! Jin Jiyan Azadi!”
Source: Twitter
SWITZERLAND: Social Democratic Party of Switzerland
“Solidarity with the HDP! SP Switzerland stands with the HDP for a democratic Turkey. We demand an immediate end to the trial against the party – all democratic forces must be able to participate in the elections! #SolidarityWithHDP”
Source: Twitter
SWEDEN: The Left Party (Vänsterpartiet)
“In Turkey, the trial of the pro-Kurdish leftist party HDP is coming to an end. Mr Erdogan’s regime wants to ban the entire party. Today, the HDP has asked the world to show its support. For the Left Party it is obvious. #SolidarityWithHDP #StopProsecutionOfHDP”
Source: Twitter
SWEDEN: The Left Party (Vänsterpartiet)
“In Turkey, a lengthy trial of the pro-Kurdish leftist party HDP is nearing its end. Several of the party’s representatives have previously been imprisoned and banned from participating in politics. This time, Erdogan’s regime wants to ban the entire party. Erdogan’s attempt to ban the opposition clearly shows that Turkey is not a democracy, and a ban would be a clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. The HDP works for a democratic and pluralistic Turkey, for the liberation of women and the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, for justice and the environment. The Left Party is close to the HDP, but in the vulnerable position they are in, everyone who defends democracy should stand up for them. Today, Monday 13 March, the HDP is asking the world to show its support for the HDP. For the Left Party, this is obvious – here is the Left Party’s party leadership in solidarity with the HDP.”
Source: facebook
UK: 14 cross-party MPs in the UK Parliament
14 cross-party MPs in the UK Parliament have signed the motion against the closure of the HDP. The motion states: “That this House expresses concern over the court case against the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in Turkey which could result in its closure; notes this would be in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and prevent a democratically elected party from participating in politics; calls on the international community to show support for the HDP; urges the Government to condemn the closure case and support human rights and the rule of law in Turkey; and stands in support with the HDP and all those who advocate for democracy, human rights and pluralism in Turkey.”
Source: parliament.uk
UK: Peace in Kurdistan – Campaign for a political solution of the Kurdish Question
“(…) Peace in Kurdistan has raised the importance of this landmark trial with the UK government at the highest level and we are pledged to continue the campaign whatever the trial’s outcome. We stand in solidarity with the HDP and call for this show trail to be abandoned. We applaud your resolve, courage and political leadership. What the HDP represents is peace, social justice, progress and reconciliation between peoples. Those principles are the future and cannot ever be suppressed irrespective of the result of this forthcoming trial.”
Source: https://www.peaceinkurdistancampaign.com
USA: DSA’s International Committee
DSA IC stands in solidarity with the People’s Democratic Party and condemns government attacks on democracy in Turkey: ” (…) In addition to the government’s attack on the HDP through the judicial system, democratically-elected HDP politicians have also been forced out of office, imprisoned, and killed. As the trial to ban HDP approaches its conclusion, just weeks before the 2023 Turkish general elections, the IC is heeding the call for an international day of solidarity with the HDP on March 13, approximately one month before the party defends itself in court. We express the utmost support for the People’s Democratic Party, the third-largest political party in Turkey, a party at the forefront of protecting the rights of Turkey’s ethnic minorities, and a force for freedom and democracy in the Middle East.”