People of Siirt are celebrating Newroz at Barış (Peace) Square, which is covered with the flags of the Green Left Party.

Chanting the slogans “Bijî Serok Apo” (Long Live Leader Öcalan), “PKK is the people and the people are here”, “Be Serok jiyan nabe” (No Life Without the Leader) and “Berxedan jiyane” (Resistance is Life).

The ceremony began with a minute of silence in memory of tens of thousands who lost their lives in the series of earthquakes in February.

The Green Left Party provincial branch spokesperson, Eşref Tekin, addressed the crowd, saying: “Our struggle will prevail in Turkey and Kurdistan. Should the HDP be closed down, the people will continue their struggle with the Green Left Party.”

HDP Siirt MP Sıddık Taş spoke about the earthquake disaster, which, he said, revealed a strong solidarity among people. “We will continue to stand together and heal our wounds together.”

Referring to the upcoming elections scheduled for 14 May, he said,” We will go to the polls and give a response to the AKP fascism. We will enhance the struggle of those who have been deprived of their liberty and put in prisons. This Newroz will be an answer for peace and freedom.”

HDP MP Feleknas Uca spoke after the Newroz fire was lit in the area, wishing a happy Newroz to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and all political prisoners, and paying tribute to the victims of earthquakes.

Uca stated that, “We will overthrow the AKP-MHP fascist government in the 14 May elections. The isolation imposed on Öcalan is the cause of the crisis, deadlock and chaos in the country. Why wouldn’t the Gates of Imrali be opened? The solution lies in Imrali. We will fight together and break the isolation.”

The celebration continues with the musical performances of Rêzane Boti, Şêxmûse Êrkendî and Kollektifa Ritmen Azad.