Human Rights Association (IHD) said that the operations are planned by the government and have no legal basis.

Reacting to the simultaneous police raids in the Urfa branches of its offices and Confederation of Public Workers Unions (KESK) in the written statement, IHD Central Office underlined that 31 people were detained during the raids and included BDP executives and members. “We condemn the raids on our branches and other organizations, searches in our houses and workplaces and the detention of mass organization representatives who definitely conduct legal and rightful activities” said the statement.

“The operations, which are clearly planned by the government and implemented through special authorized prosecutors, and are samples of anti-democratic practices seen in authoritarian regimes” noted the statement and commented the raid on human rights defenders, who should be protected to ensure democracy and respect for human rights, as unacceptable.  

IHD members called on competent authorities to act in accordance with the rules of universal law, UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and demanded the release of all detainees.