Kurds have lived in Swedish society with respect for Swedish laws. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Foreign Minister Ann Linde sacrificed the Kurds when they shook hands with Erdogan and his oppressive policies based on the annihilation of the Kurds.

Navenda Civaka Demokratik issued a statement condemning Sweden's support for Turkey at the NATO summit in Madrid, saying it “strengthens oppression and weakens the freedom struggle.”

The statement said: “Kurds have lived in Swedish society with respect for Swedish laws. Unfortunately, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Foreign Minister Ann Linde sacrificed the Kurds when they shook hands with Erdogan and his oppressive policies based on the annihilation of the Kurds.”

The statement added: “It is no secret that Erdogan has already dismantled democracy in Turkey and abandoned the principles of the rule of law. Today we see a fascist regime dictated by an authoritarian leader. Years in prison with systematic abuse and torture await Erdogan critics and dissidents, as well as the thousands of other political prisoners who already fill the country's jails. Erdogan has closed the doors to democratic politics. His political pronouncements today are, in fact, a result of this. Virtually any opposition that speaks out about the rights of Kurds is accused of "terrorism" and treated as a "security issue". But we cannot throw all the responsibility on Erdogan. We also have obligations and should be self-critical in having allowed this to happen.

The agreement that has been signed between Sweden, Finland and Turkey is against fundamental human rights.”

The statement continued: “No Kurds or Kurdish organisations/parties are terrorists but are carrying out self-defence against colonialism and occupation by the Turkish state. The state even uses chemical weapons against civilians in Kurdish villages. Turkey pursues a policy that prohibits freedom of expression and criminalises all democratic forces in Turkey.”

The statement called on the Swedish government and the Swedish people “not to support Erdogan and his demands at the expense of people's rights and democracy.

This is a direct threat to people fighting for democracy and human rights in Turkey.”