The sixth hearing of the KCK (Kurdish Communities Union) Istanbul main trial will begin on Monday at Istanbul 15th High Criminal Court in Silivri Prison Complex.

205 politicians (97are in prison), are tried in the scope of the so called KCK Istanbul case. Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) politicians, academics and human rights defenders on trial were arrested in a KCK operation which targeted BDP provincial and district offices, politics academies and institutions in Istanbul between 5 and 28 September 2011.

According to the reports coming through, the politicians on trial will not accept the "paid interpreters" determined by the court board while defending themselves in their mother language. It is said they will not give their statements of defense should the court board insist on the interpreters.

KCK detainees are refusing to defend themselves through interpreters since it was announced before the fifth hearing late May that the defendants would have to choose one of interpreters designated by Istanbul Presidency of the Justice Commission. The interpretation expense is supposed  to be met by defendants themselves.

The sixth hearing which will continue till September 20 will also be attended by BDP executives and members.

Over 8,000 people in Turkey have been arrested as part of anti-terror operations against the KCK organization since 2009.