The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) rallied in Dersim on Friday. Thousands of people joined the rally with chants and slogans.

HDP presidential candidate, Selahattin Demirtaş, sent a message to the rally from Edirne F Type Prison where he is held as a political hostage.

The message was read by HDP Dersim Provincial co-chair, Murat Polat, and was met with great enthusiasm by the people.

Here is the full text of the message that Demirtaş sent to the people of Dersim:

“My esteemed brothers and sisters,

Esteemed people of Dersim,

I salute all of you with my warmest feelings.

I know that you are impatiently prepared for the 24 June 24 elections, which we think will lead to considerable political developments.

Despite the fact that our democratic political struggle has been met with unlawful attacks, and despite the oppression, all our peoples are the only hope.

Despite having worked to solve our problems through peace and dialogue, we are unfortunately in prison because the government prefers to use the judge to beat us.

However, no matter how hard or heavy our conditions are, we will not give up on the democratic struggle.

I know that you, our esteemed people, attach great importance to your party, the HDP.

All our efforts and struggle will provide you a commitment worthy of your honorable stance. We are also aware that, as elected people, we have yet not been able to precisely offer you the service you deserve.

Yet despite all our shortcomings, we are fighting a fair, self-sacrificing and successful struggle that is not comparable to the corrupt, unilateral, unfair political understanding.

Now, as a person I am in front of you in the capacity of President; my other friends in the capacity of deputies.

For us, every city in every region is important, of course.

But Dersim has a special place is our heart. The resistance of Dersim, the struggle of Dersim, Dersim upright stance have always been examples.

We will do whatever we can in any circumstance to deserve your support. We will never betray your trust.

I am sure you will bring our Dersim candidates to the Assembly.

Our candidate friends will also deserve your virtuous attitude with a modest stance and sacrifice.

I believe that on the evening of 24 June you will reveal your difference.

I wish you all success.

Presidential candidate and Istanbul deputy

Selahattin Demirtaş"