The destruction that started in May in Alipaşa and Lalebey neighborhoods in Amed’s Sur district under the guise of “urban transformation” continues. Large portions of both neighborhoods have been demolished, and the demolition has begun for those who resisted. The police closed off both neighborhoods with barriers in the morning hours and people who didn’t leave their homes are being forcibly taken out.

Riot police and water cannons have laid siege to both neighborhoods while the people’s resistance continues. Many houses in the small streets included in the demolition order have been blockaded with police barriers while the citizens not allowed into their homes try to pass through the electrified iron fences.

Reports say the neighborhoods have been blockaded under orders from the Diyarbakır Governorate and the police have been ordered to “use force to evacuate the homes”.

Following the urgent call issued by the 'No Demolition in Sur Platform' to all conscientious groups to stand against this possible devastating demolition, masses went to the district where people are resisting against the demolition of their houses and memories.

HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) deputies Sibel Yiğitalp, Ziya Pir and İmam Taşçıer as well as constituents of the 'No Demolition in Sur Platform' have started a sit-in action on Talu Street (Meydana Çeleka) in Alipaşa neighbourhood. Neither the local people nor the press is allowed access to the scene of the sit-in as the demolition of some forcibly evacuated houses continues.

Inhabitants of the neighborhoods have been getting water from the nearby mosque and church recently as water is cut off for days. Water in these areas has also been cut off, and people are now carrying water from water tankers in jerry cans. The people who were not home when the siege began earlier today are not allowed to enter their houses and they keep waiting in front of the police barriers.

HDP deputies continue their sit-in in front of the houses planned to be demolished.