The first phase in the demolition launched in Alipaşa and Lalebey neighborhoods of Amed’s Sur district as part of genocidal practices has been completed, and demolition preparations for the second phase have begun.

Contractors had paused the demolition after two months due to a change in the bid, and on Wednesday they went to the neighborhoods accompanied by the police and demanded the evacuation of houses to be demolished. Sur residents, who have been angry at the demolitions for months, are determined to not leave their homes.

THREATS AND INSULTS

Huriye Dağ lives in the Alipaşa Neighborhood. She said they were threatened and told, “If you don’t leave by Friday we will turn the matter over to some other folks, who will manage to deal with you.”

Songül Özdemir said they don’t want to leave their homes because of winter conditions, and that they will resist the demolitions. She added that the police, municipal police and contractors did not listen to the residents. Özdemir said they were insulted and told, “You are accustomed to freeloading, the state pays you anyways, you are all ingrates.”