HDP congress kicks off in Istanbul

The fourth congress of the provincial association of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) is taking place in Istanbul today. Thousands of people arrived at the event hall in the Küçükçekmece district before the official programme began. Slogans were shouted in memory of the political prisoner Garibe Gezer, who died in solitary confinement in the maximum security prison Kandira after suffering torture.

The congress of the Istanbul HDP takes place under the motto “Now is HDP time”. The police take strict security measures in front of the event hall, and the guests are searched.

The programme begins with the election of the congress leadership and the welcome speech by the co-chair of the Istanbul federation. HDP co-chair Mithat Sancar will be the keynote speaker. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the groups Ma and Bajar.