More than 300 people gathered in front of the Istanbul province head quarters of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) today, protesting against the operations in 13 provinces that resulted in the detention of more than forty DTP leaders and others, including lawyers of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.

Democratic discussions and ceasefire ignored

Istanbul MP Sebahat Tuncel said that it was meaningful that these detentions had come just at a time when there was widespread discussion on a democratic solution to the Kurdish question, and when the PKK had announced a unilateral ceasefire until June.

Sevahir Bayındır, MP for Şırnak, told bianet that the police operations were an attack on the will of the Kurdish people.

Also present was Batman MP Ayla Akat Ata, as well as representatives of socialist parties and groups and representatives of rights organisations.

Revenge for the local election results

Tuncel said in the press briefing that the Justice and Development Party (AKP) had not been able to accept the local election results and was attacking the will of the Kurdish people.

She added that “Turkey has lost many opportunities as far as a solution to the Kurdish question is concerned.”

“We have paid a high price in the struggle for peace, and we are ready to pay it. We believe in the brotherhood of people and that they can live together.”

The Istanbul MP called on the AKP, saying, “Come to your senses. If you ignore the will of the Kurdish people, the fire will also burn you.”

The crowd often interrupted Tuncel’s speech with slogans such as “We will not give in to the pressure”, “Side by side against fascism”, and “Rebellion again, again.”

"Turkey and USA alliance against Kurds"

Bayındır said that the government had sent the message that it did not recognise the DTP. She accused Turkey of having allied itself with the USA against the Kurds, and that this operation was a result of this alliance.

She added that the operations in DTP province buildings may be followed by intervention in parliament.

Istanbul province party chair Halil Aksoy said that attacks on the DTP before and during the local elections were continuing. “We are a political party, acting democratically. We will not give up on that.”

“The fact that the operations were carried out at a time when discussions on a democratic and peaceful solution to the Kurdish question were being held more easily shows that they want to get rid of the DTP.”

Aksoy called on all rights activists and organisations to support the party.

Speaking for the Istanbul province party office, Hülya Yer said that the AKP was using the operations to get revenge. She called for the immediate release of those in custody. (BÇ/AG)