The Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK), the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the United Struggle Forces (BMG) made a press statement at the HDP’s Istanbul headquarters concerning the ‘Humanity March Against Chemical Weapons’ to be staged in Taksim, Istanbul on November 6. In a speech, HDP İzmir Deputy Serpil Kemalbay raised concern over the chemical attacks by the Turkish state.

Kemalbay recalled that 17 HPG members were recently martyred by chemical weapons, stating, “The images show that Turkey has clearly acted in violation of the international conventions to which it is a party, including the Geneva Convention. The AKP-MHP government rejects these accusations, and instead accuses and targets prominent scientists, politicians, intellectuals and journalists who call for an investigation into the allegations. We insist that if chemical attacks do not exist as the spokespersons of the government claim, and if the images and reports are distorted or fake, what needs to be done is not to deny the allegations, but to send independent delegations to the region.”

'WE MUST ACT'

Kemalbay remarked that some independent delegations wanted to conduct investigations in the region following the chemical attacks, but the KDP blocked them.

“The Kurdistan Regional Government's refusal to permit independent organizations also causes concerns and anger. The regional government must ensure the safety of the delegations and allow investigations to take place. No one should be complicit in this terrible war and crime against humanity. The UN, the WHO, the EU, particularly the OPCW and other relevant institutions and organizations need to step into action. A contrary case would increase the concerns of the peoples of the region and pave the way for even greater massacres. It is not time to remain silent but to raise a voice to defend humanity and reject war. We call on institutions, structures, political parties and non-governmental organizations that defend life but not death, and our people to step into action. We will stage a march for peace against war in Taksim on November 6. The public wants the truth to be revealed. We will never be complicit in this crime by remaining silent. We would like to express with commitment to continue to raise our voice and seek the truth,” Kemalbay stated.

'THE GOVERNMENT IS TRYING TO COVER UP ITS CRIMES'

HDK Co-Spokesperson Cengiz Çiçek stated that the government made serious efforts to conceal its crimes after the release of images showing the use of chemical weapons. Çiçek said that the government punished in a fascist manner everyone who commented on the use of chemical weapons, as can be seen in the case of Turkish Medical Association head Şebnem Korur Fincancı who was imprisoned immediately after speaking about the allegations. “The AKP-MHP bloc is trying to eliminate the organized struggle of the Kurds and targets not only the Kurds, but all peoples and their struggles,” Çiçek said.

'USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS PROVEN'

Speaking on behalf of the BMG, Mürvet Küçük remarked that the chemical attacks are beyond mere claims. “Recently, countless evidence has been revealed. When we look at the footage of two HPG guerrillas who were exposed to chemical weapons, we can see the authenticity of the allegations. Because the way the guerrillas behaved in the footage bears the symptoms that may emerge after being exposed to chemical weapons. With these attacks, they are trying to subjugate the Kurdish people, the most organized people within Turkey’s society. During this process, the Turkish people should also stand in unity with the Kurdish people,” Küçük concluded.