As the HDP continues its work for the local elections of 31 March in Turkey and Kurdistan, HDP co-chair Sezai Temelli talked to ANF about the various issues on the agenda.

In particular, Temelli talked about the local elections and the hunger strike against the isolation of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan.

Temelli underlined how lawlessness is now the most important feature in Turkey. “For a very long time, unfortunately, Turkey has been moving away from democracy and the law. Infringements, violations of law, failure to fulfill the requirements of the rule of law, human rights violations, have been a constant feature since 5 April 2015.”

This state of lawlessness, said Temelli, “needs to disappear. Turkey has a very important issue to address and solve and this is the Kurdish issue. The solution of the Kurdish issue depends on Mr Öcalan, who was the first interlocutor on this matter. Without solving the Kurdish issue, other problems remain unsolved. And clearly not solving problems lead to bigger problems. Which is why the Kurdish issue and its solution should be a priority.”

Temelli stressed how “Isolation is the crucial issue, as it is imposed on the entire society. Isolation must end. This is not an illegal or unlawful demand. In fact, we are not only faced with the violation of Turkish domestic law. We are also witnessing the violation of international law. The Constitutional Court does not work, we have signed international conventions here, we have expectations from international law. Turkey is a member of PACE. You would expect respect for the decisions taken by these institutions.”

Crucial hours for hunger strikers

Speaking about the hunger strike resistance, Temelli reminded that HDP Hakkari MP Leyla Güven has reached the 108th day of hunger strike, and added that Güven has reached a critical point. Stressing that he did not want any hunger strike to lose his or her life, Temelli said: “We are faced with serious health problems at this stage, which will cause a lot of permanent damages.

This lawlessness will cause people to lose their lives. No one can turn his/her eye away from what is happening. The voice of Leyla Güven has spread all over the world. Hundreds of people are on a hunger strike together with Leyla Güven. They are fasting for justice and democracy. Ignoring this is actually a violation of human rights, a crime. Every passing hour means that we risk to be late. A step must be taken before it’s too late.”

Very bad time to go to elections

On 31 March, Temelli reminded, Turkey and Kurdistan will be called to the polls for the local elections.

"These elections - he said - are happening in the worst conditions. By now the government is doing anything it takes to stay in power.”

Temelli underlined that once again the HDP is under attack and targeted through hate speeches.

Despite this, Temelli confirmed that the HDP is ready and working to ensure maximum success in these elections. “Together we can build a new nation, where everyone has his/her place, women, youth, workers, different peoples, ecologists. Together we can build democracy and freedom.”