The operation against the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK), initiated on 18 February, resulted in the detention of 54 individuals. After several days of interrogations, 30 people were sent to prison, 13 placed under house arrest, and 7 others released under judicial supervision.

An indictment was prepared against imprisoned Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer even as testimonies were still ongoing. In the indictment, the concept of "urban reconciliation" has been criminalized, and the HDK was labeled as a "terrorist organization."

Ali Bozan, Mersin MP from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), stated that these actions serve a political purpose and specifically highlighted the timing of these operations following Akın Gürlek's appointment as Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor.

The HDK exists since 2011

Bozan emphasized that the HDK has operated within democratic principles since its establishment, stating that charges and evidence brought forward after 11-12 years are now being used politically: "The HDK announced its establishment in 2011. It has held 13 general assemblies to date. Legally, there is no justification for launching such an operation against an organization established in 2011, whose activities have always been transparent, and which adheres to democratic principles in electing its co-spokespersons."

Bozan added: "The HDK has existed for 14 years; it was never deemed illegal until now. Why has it suddenly become illegal after 14 years? Moreover, there is no evidence of criminal activity among those detained, imprisoned, or placed under house arrest. Some of our colleagues were imprisoned simply for being HDK members or delegates. Phone calls made 11-12 years ago were recorded, yet no action has been taken until now. If people are being arrested after all these years, this clearly indicates political motives."

Bozan continued: "The HDK is an organization that includes more than 40 political parties, institutions, and organizations. It is a structure in which all peoples, religious groups, and social segments can freely express themselves. The issue here is precisely the attack against this idea, against this organizational model. At the same time, with this operation against the HDK, the message sent to society is that anyone who shows solidarity with Kurds can be arrested. This is one of the purposes, along with creating a climate of fear among a broad and widespread opposition in society. But the components of the HDK represent millions. They cannot intimidate millions."

Akın Gürlek is a key figure in political interference through judiciary

Bozan commented on the preparation of the indictment against Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, in which "urban reconciliation" was criminalized and the HDK labeled a "terrorist organization."

The MP particularly highlighted the role of Akın Gürlek and said: "After Akın Gürlek was appointed as Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor, operations targeting urban reconciliation and the HDK began in Istanbul. Here, there is an attempt to shape politics through judicial intervention. The center of this structure is the Presidential Palace itself.

For example, the current Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor previously served as the head of the Istanbul Heavy Penal Court. During that tenure, he sentenced all groups and circles considered opposition by the ruling Justice and Development Party. He sentenced figures such as Selahattin Demirtaş, Sırrı Süreyya Önder, and the Istanbul provincial chair of the Republican People's Party (CHP). Interestingly, at that time, he wasn't assigned to a single court; he was moved from court to court. Wherever there was an opposition figure to be sentenced, they sent him there. He would preside over the trial, deliver the sentence, and move to another court."

Bozan said that "after becoming Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor, his actions intensified. These include operations such as the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer and the detention and imprisonment of the current and former DEM Party provincial co-chairs in Mersin and Van solely because they had telephone conversations with Ahmet Özer. Moreover, the detention and imprisonment of 10 municipal council members in Istanbul, and finally, the comprehensive operation against the HDK clearly indicate that the current government perceives the ideas represented by the HDK as posing a serious threat."

Their goal is to spread fear throughout society

Bozan emphasized that the goal of these operations is to spread fear. He believed that the ideas represented by the HDK are perceived as a threat by the government, which has consistently focused on dividing society. Bozan continued: "When 10 municipal council members were detained in relation to urban reconciliation, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor stated that ‘Urban reconciliation is a phenomenon above the DEM Party.’ Yes, exactly. Urban reconciliation was always meant to be above political parties. When we first announced urban reconciliation, we clearly stated it wasn’t an alliance or gathering of political parties. Rather, it’s a model that brings together broad segments of society. That’s why we called it ‘urban reconciliation’; otherwise, it would have been labeled as a political alliance."

Bozan underlined that "this model of urban reconciliation was what first removed the Justice and Development Party (AKP) from power, pushing it to second place. Thus, the government sees it as an enormous threat and attacks accordingly. Likewise, the idea of HDK is also threatening to them. Until now, the AKP has always sought to divide, fragment, and isolate society. In contrast, the HDK stands for unity, solidarity, and integration. Therefore, the reasons behind these attacks are very clear.

Ultimately, the prosecutor investigating our colleagues knows that no crime has been committed. Even the judges who ordered the detention of these 30 individuals are fully aware that they will eventually be released and acquitted."

The MP said: "However, the purpose here is to create an atmosphere of intimidation, sending the message: ‘I can detain and imprison anyone at any time.’ A similar situation occurred with the detention of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) presidents and their subsequent release under judicial supervision. The message is clear: anyone who opposes or resists the government, will be arrested."