Protests against the seizure of HDP-run metropolitan municipalities of Amed, Mardin and Van continue since August 19 when the elected mayors were removed and governors appointed trustees to take over the administrations of the three municipalities.
In Mardin a sit-in action was held for the 26th consecutive day against the appointment of trustees. Since a general ban on all public events has been imposed throughout the province, the "democracy vigil", which has been held daily for three and a half weeks, has taken place in front of the local HDP headquarters, instead of in Karayolları Park.
The participants carried signs with inscriptions such as "The will of the people cannot be robbed". The police encircled the protesters and set up armored vehicles and water cannons. The population was still not intimidated and continued the action under slogans and songs of resistance.
Today's action is supported by the Association of Writers from Mardin and the local HDP Youth Council.
HDP MP İmam Taşçıer said: "If Kurds were united, neither would have the Kobane issue taken place, nor would trustees have been appointed. It is high time to get united. Kurds are one of the greatest actors in Turkey. they can overcome any problem as long as they achieve unity. On this occasion, we state that we will continue our efforts for the unity of the Kurdish people.”
