German Left Party Deputy Gökay Akbulut paid a solidarity visit to Co-Chair of the DBP, Saliha Aydeniz, whose parliamentary immunity was lifted after a decision by the Joint Commission of the Parliamentary Constitution and the Justice Committee. Akbulut was welcomed by DBP Co-Chairs Saliha Aydeniz and Keskin Bayındır at the DBP Headquarters Information Office in Amed (Diyarbakır).

Speaking at the Information Office, Akbulut pointed to the violations of human rights and freedoms in the country, particularly press freedom. “We came for solidarity. I am here to monitor the Kobanê trial and HDP’s closure case,” the Left Party deputy said.

‘WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP THE STRUGGLE’

DBP Co-Chair Saliha Aydeniz replied that solidarity gave them strength and that plundering nature, banning the Munzur Festival, lifting parliamentary immunities and the closure case against the HDP are all interconnected. “The isolation in Imrali prison is linked to all of these. The reason is that the Kurdish problem is not resolved by democratic means and methods. This visit is very important to us,” Aydeniz said.

Aydeniz pointed out that Turkey's century-old political system has collapsed in the face of people’s political organization. “Social organization means defending democracy, standing against the isolation of Kurdish leader Öcalan and opposing the institutionalization of fascism. It is necessary to express very clearly that the government crackdown is due to its fear of social opposition. So, whatever they do, we will never give up the democratic struggle and the women's struggle,” she said.

Speaking after, DBP Co-Chair Keskin Bayındır emphasized the importance of solidarity. He said that an unprecedented crackdown is in place, stating, “There is no rule of law when it comes to women's struggle and the struggle for human rights. There is no law or democracy in the country. There is a large-scale attack against the Kurds and pro-democracy opposition groups. We, as youth, women, opposition and the Kurds, will continue our struggle in the future,” Bayındır said.

'BROAD SOLIDARITY NEEDED'

“Most recently, we witnessed the Zakho massacre. It has been proven by scientific data that this massacre took place as a result of a Turkish bombing. Regional reactions were strong, but the international reaction remained weak. The parties should promote a broad solidarity that could put an end to this government and its policies. The Erdogan government takes advantage of the lack of political solidarity,” Bayındır added.