Masses welcomed the Kurdish New Year Newroz enthusiastically despite blockade, repression and attack by Turkish police forces. During the celebration, representatives of political parties and civil society organizations held speeches and gave messages.

Speaking here, Co-mayor of Mardin, Ahmet Türk said the following; “We are being through a historic process today. A dirty policy is being pursued against the Kurdish people who experienced the same policies in the past. Kurds were massacred in Ağrı, Dersim and Halabja. However, these mass killings never severed them from the freedom struggle. Genocidal policies were initiated after June 7 elections but these didn’t work either, upon which the government held those leading a democracy and freedom struggle captive. Going beyond that, they have attacked Afrin now. Those who intend to strengthen their ruling through the attacks on Afrin will fade away. The struggle for freedom is a long-termed one. For this reason, we will continue with our resistance without fear and hesitation. 21st century will be the year of Kurdish people’s freedom.”

JOURNALISTS BATTERED AND DETAINED

As people tore down barricades and gathered right before the stage, police forces, unable to prevent the flow of people, targeted journalists and drove them out of the press area by use of force.

Local daily Yenigün reporter Mehmet Uğur Çakıl and Tigris newspaper reporter Arif Bulut were battered and detained.

After the provocation and intervention by the police, Newroz Organising Committee ended the event earlier than planned. The mass, still, remained in the area and continued with the Kurdish traditional dance halay to the accompaniment of marches.

MORE THAN 50 DETAINED

According to Mesopotamia News Agency, several people were detained while entering the Newroz grounds. Police once again started a wave of arrests as people started to disperse after the event ended. Police seized the red-green-yellow flags and scarfs worn by young people on their necks, and battered and detained many young people on Evrim Alataş Avenue where university student Kemal Kurkut had been murdered, again by the police, last year.

16 other young people were battered and detained for chanting slogans, during which police used tear gas and opened fire into the air.

A minor was also taken into custody for making vcictory sign amid the deployment of policemen with snow masks and black uniforms. Two other young people were severely beaten by the police.

INTENSE PROVOCATION

Policemen were seen insulting, harassing and swearing at the people during the course of the event. Plainclothes policemen were stationed all around the Newroz grounds and conducted searches in every inch. Newroz Organising Committee called for common sense amid continued threats and harassment by the police.