Jailed Co-chairs of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş have sent a message for the new year.

The message of the HDP Co-chairs is as follows:

“2016 was a year when our hearts were deeply wrenched. We are leaving behind a year which witnessed pain, tears, deaths but at the same time a struggle and resistance.

The continuation of bloodshed and tears on these lands means that the dominant political mindset and environment has not changed. However, there is one more thing that has not changed; it is the hope created by the struggle for peace, equality, justice and democracy.

The unfavorable cases we have experienced mustn't be an obstacle for us to have a hope. We are meeting this new year in prison. We are alone in our cells but this is the most crowded new year we are welcoming. Because, we know that the hearts of millions beat with us...

We know that good days lie ahead of us. We will struggle in order for 2017 to be a year when the forces for democracy, peace, labor, freedom and equality stand and progress together, and when peoples attain the justice they demand .In 2017, we will be reborn every day and march; the life and truths will recognize no prisons.

We hope 2017 will be a promising year for all peoples, faiths, laborers, oppressed, women and youth. We greet all of you for a new year when we can celebrate a life dominated by peace.”