HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) co-chair Sezai Temelli spent the end of Ramadan (Eid feast) in Van.

Temelli spoke to the people there about the provocation in Suruç, where the men accompanying an AKP candidate opened fire on shopkeepers during a supposed election campaign visit.

The Eid ceremony was held in the Van DBP offices, at the presence of HDP co-chair Sezai Temelli, HDP Van Province co-presidents Yadisen Karabulak, Ümit Dede, DBP Van Province co-chairs Ayla Tarhan, Ökkeş Kava, HDP Van candidates and many people.

HDP Van Provincial co-chair Yadisen Karabulak was the first to speak and thank the people for their presence while wishing them a good Eid.

Afterwards, HDP co-chair Sezai Temelli spoke. “Everyone should be careful about the provocation such that of Suruç on Thursday”.

Temelli added: "We are confronted with the hate speech of the President and the government. And this creates great tension. In a month that embraces people no matter what faith or belief, we are faced with a hostile attitude against the HDP. There have been attacks in many places. Even photographs are not tolerated and then on Thursday, Suruç happened”.

Pointing out that the government hasn’t abandoned its hostile and violent attitude, the same it showed during previous election campaigns, Temelli said: “We call on all parties as well as presidential candidates to take initiative on democracy, justice and peace and to oppose such provocations. If we want to live in a fair environment in this country, we must stand side by side against provocations”.

United against provocations

Recognizing the fact that such events may cause anxiety and concern while waiting for the election, Temelli said: “Let's not allow this and let’s not allow anyone to disrupt the vote. The 24 June elections are very important in this respect. The Minister of the Interior should find the responsible of such action, instead of blaming the people”.

HDP co-chair, Temelli added: “Where in the world have you seen an election campaign with arms? Here I am calling on the Interior Ministry and Governor. Those responsible for Suruç should be caught and brought to justice as soon as possible. As you cannot prevent weapons entering the election campaign, then you try to cover these actions”.

Temelli was referring to the fact that the cameras of the hospital where those involved in the Suruç attack were attended, had been broken.

“Who broke those cameras? - asked Temelli -  There are testimonies given by the witnesses. Where was the public prosecutor? They are trying to hide the truth by accusing a family that has earned respect and love of everyone in Suruç”.

Temelli said: “We will investigate the scene behind this incident. We will work for democracy and peace after that, and we will not be a provocation tool. Those who are trying to survive with violence and cruelty will surely be brought to justice”.

Reminding that on 24 June people are called to “participate to a very important election”, Temelli said: “We don’t want people to lose their life in this way anymore. We wish this Eid to be a chance for peace”.