Protest against mob attack on HDP in Adana: “We will get rid of this government”

The armed and Molotov attack on the HDP’s Yüreğir Provincial Organization building was protested by the party’s Adana Provincial Organization. Apart from the HDP deputies, several political parties and non-governmental organizations participated in the protest held in the İnönü Park.

The police blockaded the vicinity of the HDP building already before the group made a statement to the press. The police attacked those who insisted on going to the park for the protest.

The protestors chanted slogans such as “Shoulder to shoulder against fascism”, “No emancipation alone, all together or none of us” and “Biji berxwedana HDP”.

“We will not be tricked by these games. The bullets fired at the HDP buildings, the Molotovs thrown at the party offices are against the peace and freedom of our country and the brotherhood of the peoples,” HDP Yüreğir District co-chair Durmaz Özmen said.

‘BLOODY PLANS!’

HDP Adana Deputy Tülay Hatimoğulları reacted to the police intervention and and praised the solidarity of different political parties and non-governmental organizations. “This solidarity has a meaning. This solidarity is for protecting Turkey’s democracy. This solidarity is for saving this country from an oppressive government. This solidarity is for living in peace, tranquillity and brotherhood,” Hatimoğulları said.

Hatimoğulları recalled the murder of Deniz Poryaz and the attacks between the June 7 and November 1 elections in 2015. “Bloody plans were introduced back then. The same mindset wants to continue to target the HDP and democracy forces. I want to address to those who voted for the AKP government; the reason for the government crackdown against the opposition is to cover up the increasing unemployment and poverty,” she said.

“The governor and the police chief of Adana are favouring illegal practices. We have the right to make a statement wherever we want. They are trying to suppress us because they’re afraid. We will get rid of this tyrannical government by developing our own solidarity against this fear,” HDP Adana Deputy Kemal Peköz said.

“We strongly condemn the attack on the HDP District Organization in Yüreğir yesterday. The AKP-MHP government’s crackdown on the opposition is not new. To prevent this, it is the duty of every citizen to stand up for democracy and show solidarity. A government that promotes fascism can be sent away by solidarity and protecting the laws. Therefore, we will continue to show solidarity with other groups,” CHP Adana Provincial chair Mehmet Çelebi said.

“This attack is not only against the HDP, but also against all the peoples of Turkey, democracy, human rights and social peace,” IHD (Human Rights Association) Adana Branch head and lawyer Yakup Ataş said.

After the statement, the HDP deputies and the representatives of political parties and non-governmental organizations in the city went to the HDP Yüreğir District building where the attack took place and examined on-site.

Political parties and non-governmental organizations that participated in the protest are as follows: “Democratic Regions Party (DBP), Free Women’s Movement (TJA), Peace Mothers, Republican People’s Party (CHP), Contemporary Lawyers Association (ÇHD), Human Rights Association (IHD), Labour Party (EMEP), Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP), Social Freedom Party (TOP), Workers Party of Turkey (TIP), Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP) and Community Centres.”

HATAY

HDP’s Iskenderun District Organization also condemned the attack. “The HDP remains determined to carry out a struggle for democracy. The attack will never cease our love for our country, peoples, future and our determination to fight,” HDP Iskenderun District co-chair Abdurrahim Şahin said.