Swiss Green Party: We are HDP, too

The Green party of Switzerland released a statement titled “We are HDP, too” expressing their solidarity with the Peoples’ Democratic Party (tr: Halkların Demokratik Partisi, HDP) against the ever-growing repression against the party which faces closure in Turkey.

“We have been involved in efforts for a solution to the Kurdish issue; we have been following the HDP’s activities closely since October 15, 2012. During this period of time, we have witnessed countless parties, many of which were closed down illegally. Moreover, we have witnessed myriad arrests, disappearances and torture,” the Swiss Green Party said in its statement.

“With the establishment of the HDP, our hope has been rekindled. Our belief that the Kurdish problem might be resolved peacefully and democratically in Turkey has grown stronger.

We met many HDP co-mayors during our visits. They gave us information about their municipal work. Communications during this period impressed us and offered opportunities to contribute to many great projects. We witnessed an increase in the quality of life of the Kurds in their cities and villages. The women’s liberation struggle and development particularly amazed us. Many projects were implemented spontaneously and voluntarily, and this created a genuine enthusiasm among the people.

A similar state of mind was also observed during the parliamentary elections in 2015. The HDP entered the parliament receiving 13.1 percent of the votes and 80 deputies. Currently, the HDP has more than 6 million voters. This meant that the ruling AKP was no longer a majority after 13 years.

The HDP’s election success made the AKP unhappy.

The peace process introduced with the PKK was suspended, peace delegations and mediators were criminalized.

Military attacks on Kurdish cities have ensued.

HDP co-mayors elected by the people have been deposed, trustees appointed to municipalities, and co-mayors arrested.

Women activists have systematically been oppressed, many tortured and imprisoned.

Most recently, a case has been initiated for the closure of the HDP.

These developments require us to act together and show our solidarity. We want to express our solidarity with HDP politicians in Turkey, political prisoners, politicians living in exile, trade unionists, human rights defenders and all women activists.

We also offer our support to the Kurdish people and want to emphasize that we are in solidarity.

The Kurdish people have been fighting for a ‘better future’ for many years.

This struggle continues and we are part of it.

We are HDP, too.”