Mass detentions are taking place almost daily as a new wave of repression against the Kurdish opposition has begun in the run-up to the parliamentary and presidential elections in Turkey on May 14.

Dozens of people have been taken into custody in ten cities today.

In the Silopi district of Şırnak, police forces stormed several houses in the neighborhoods of Nur, Barbaros and Cumhuriyet. The operation was conducted in line with an investigation launched by Şırnak Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Those detained are reported to be young people.

In the Ceyhan district of Adana in southern Turkey, many people were taken into custody after house raids for unknown reasons.

In the scope of an investigation launched by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Urfa, dawn raids were carried out in Urfa, Batman, Mersin, Konya, Antalya, Bitlis and Istanbul. 11 people taken into custody will reportedly be taken to Urfa.

Since 25 April, hundreds of opposition activists have been detained in Turkey. The detainees include politicians, journalists, artists, trade unionists, lawyers and activists, including Green Left Party candidates for the 14 May parliamentary elections.