As the local elections draw near, the AKP has increased oppression and tyranny against the people through the police and soldiers in Ercis. Van’s Ercis district saw hundreds of house raids in recent days where hundreds were detained, and dozens of them were arrested. With the latest arrests, the number of house raids in Ercis in the last 2 months rose to over 200 incidents.

In total, 93 people out of hundreds detained in the house raids were arrested. AKP has implemented special policies in Ercis as they attempt to hinder the HDP and the people in their efforts for the local elections through house raids, detentions and arrests. There are house raids in the district center, neighborhoods and villages almost every day, carried out by the gendarmerie and the police. 23 out of the 29 people detained in house raids on February 5 to 7 were arrested by the courts on allegations of “aiding and abetting a terrorist organization” and “membership to a terrorist organization” while 6 others were released on probation.

86-YEAR-OLD WOMAN AMONG DETAINEES

In the last 22 days, at least 90 people have been detained in house raids by the police and gendarmerie in Ercis district center, neighborhoods and villages. Among the detainees is an 86 years old woman with blood pressure and diabetes issues. 47 out of the 90 detainees were arrested on allegations of “aiding and abetting a terrorist organization” and “membership to a terrorist organization”.

Recent house raids in Ercis were recorded as follows:

-20 people detained in house raids on January 15. 13 were arrested, 7 were released on probation.

-10 people detained in house raids on January 19. 4 were arrested, 6 were released on probation.

-8 people detained in house raids on January 22. 3 were arrested, 5 were released on probation.

-2 lawyers detained in house raids on January 28. The lawyers were released after giving depositions at the prosecutor’s office.

-9 people detained in house raids on January 30. 4 were arrested, 5 were released on probation.

-13 people detained in house raids on January 31. All detainees were released after giving depositions at the prosecutor’s office.

-15 people detained in house raids on February 5. 13 were arrested, 2 were released on probation.

-14 people detained in house raids on February 7. 10 were arrested, 4 were released on probation.