HDP deputy Abdullah Koç, who has been in Adiyaman since the first day of the earthquake, spoke to ANF in the aftermath of two devastating earthquakes that caused major damage to at least 11 cities on 6 February.  

Noting that thousands of people lost their lives under the rubble, Koç stated: “This is an unlawfulness in itself. What’s more, the government tries to find scapegoats in various fields in order to cover up its own guilt and shortcomings. We see how refugees are falsely accused of ‘looting’ and treated accordingly. All legal institutions should oppose this through a legal struggle. Refugees are subjected to violence and torture without any evidence or court decision. These cases are serious and need to be addressed.”

Koç said that the work of voluntary and non-governmental organizations showed how incapable the government’s response to the earthquake was. He continued: “Volunteers and non-governmental organizations have done everything to help the people. That's why they don’t suit the government’s book. We know that the government is cracking down on these circles, and the state of emergency will lead to further unlawfulness. We appeal to the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and provincial bar associations: they should set up crisis desks here and serve the people. 11 provinces have been affected by the earthquake, but right now, all of Turkey is facing unlawfulness.”