The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Antep Provincial Organization held a public meeting within the scope of the “Peace and Democratic Society Meetings” at a hotel in the Şahinbey district. The meeting was attended by DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan, DEM Party İmralı Delegation member Pervin Buldan, Labour Party Antep MP Sevda Karaca, representatives of institutions and organizations, and many participants.
The gathering began with a one-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.
Speaking after, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan spoke out against the recent operation against the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP), in which a total of 77 people were sent to prison, including ESP Co-Chair Murat Çepni, Socialist Women’s Council (SKM) Spokesperson Tanya Kara, Federation of Socialist Youth Associations (SGDF) Co-Chair Berfin Polat and Etkin News Agency (ETHA)employees Nadiye Gürbüz, Pınar Gayıp and Elif Bayburt.
Bakırhan noted that Kurdish unity has come to the forefront amid the latest developments in Rojava, and thanked the people who took to the streets for Rojava and expressed their democratic reaction.
Highlighting Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s intervening role in the process, Bakırhan said: “From the very first day, Mr. Öcalan told the SDF to ‘initiate a democratic process with Damascus.’ He told Ankara, ‘Do not take part in a plan that liquidates the Kurds.’ And he told us, ‘Protect Rojava.’ Mr. Öcalan’s stance ended the attacks there and made the January 30 agreement possible. January 30 is not a surrender; it is a step that guarantees the life of the Kurdish people.”
Emphasizing that the Kurdish people are not alone, Bakırhan said: “Rojava belongs to the oppressed; it belongs to the Kurds. The Kurdish people will struggle for a democratic life not only in the Kurdish provinces but also in Syria. Kurdish women will live a secular life there. Whoever says ‘the Kurds have surrendered’ is lying.”
Stressing that the Peace and Democratic Society Process initiated with Öcalan’s February 27 call must succeed, Bakırhan appealed to parliament, saying: “Now let us focus on Ankara. There is a Kurdish question in Turkey, and a table was set for that reason. We are a party to peace. Everyone must contribute to this process. Parliament must set the compass point toward peace and draw a broad circle that excludes no one. No identity, religion, or belief should remain outside this circle.”
Following Bakırhan’s speech, the public meeting continued closed to the press.