Nationalist Turkish attacks on Kurds in Dortyol escalate
Nationalist Turkish attacks on Kurds in Dortyol escalate
So called ‘ülkücü’ racist groups attacked office of the pro-Kurdish BDP party and set fire on. The attackers also destroyed 50 businesses run by the Kurds including cafes, restaurants and jewellery shops.
20-year old Kurdish youth injured
Eyewitnesses said that the nationalist groups are chanting slogans like “death to Kurds” and searching Kurds in the town to kill. The Turkish racist groups not only attacking the shops but also their owners. After destroying the shop they lay in wait until the owner comes and attack him as well. It is reported that a 20-year old Kurdish youth was injured by fire arms. Father of one of the injured Yunus Hanas (20) said “the aim is to banish the Kurds from Dortyol.”
Attacking Kurdish Business
It is reported that almost 50 shops run by Kurds were attacked 24 of which have completely been burnt down. The situation reminds people of ‘Istanbul Pogrom’ of 1955 in which shops belonged to Christians were attacked, pillaged and arson. While dozens of Greeks were killed in the riots of 6-7 September thousands of them had to flee Greece.
Eyewitnesses stated that police is doing nothing but watching the crowd to attack the Kurds.
Police is not defending the Kurds against the attacks
Head of BDP office in Dortyol stated that they called the police several times to ask for help however their calls have never been responded. Moreover, Head of Security directorate said to Mehmet Ýnsan, chair of BDP in Hatay province he had better not to go Dortyol as they will not be able to provide security. The statement indicates the situation in the town.
Turkish flags all over
The racists asked the Turks to hang Turkish flag so that they can distinguish Turks from Kurds. It is reported that houses and shops without Turkish flags are targeted and everything happens before the police and soldiers.
Kurds defended themselves
Because the security forces failed to protect the Kurds against the nationalist attacks the Kurds had to defend themselves. However, the police used tear gas against the clashing groups and some have been injured.
It is reported that the Kurds also gathered and marched in the neighbourhood where they live and chanted pro- PKK and pro-Ocalan slogans.
Governor encouraged the attacks
In his press release the governor said “the anger of the people is understandable” which encouraged the attackers who perceived the statement as a support. This official statement made it very clear how officials are approaching the riot in the town.
Minister of Interior is quiet
While these lynch attempts were happening in Dortyol the minister of interior Atalay was present in the funeral in Adana. In his speech Atalay did not mention lynchs against the Kurds but said “Clean out the Amanos Mountains” surrounding Hatay.
Mayor from Nationalist Party
While the population of Dortyol is 144 thousand there are 67 thousand Kurds living in town. The mayor is from Nationalist Movement Party MHP and city council members are also from the ruling party AKP.
20-year old Kurdish youth injured
Eyewitnesses said that the nationalist groups are chanting slogans like “death to Kurds” and searching Kurds in the town to kill. The Turkish racist groups not only attacking the shops but also their owners. After destroying the shop they lay in wait until the owner comes and attack him as well. It is reported that a 20-year old Kurdish youth was injured by fire arms. Father of one of the injured Yunus Hanas (20) said “the aim is to banish the Kurds from Dortyol.”
Attacking Kurdish Business
It is reported that almost 50 shops run by Kurds were attacked 24 of which have completely been burnt down. The situation reminds people of ‘Istanbul Pogrom’ of 1955 in which shops belonged to Christians were attacked, pillaged and arson. While dozens of Greeks were killed in the riots of 6-7 September thousands of them had to flee Greece.
Eyewitnesses stated that police is doing nothing but watching the crowd to attack the Kurds.
Police is not defending the Kurds against the attacks
Head of BDP office in Dortyol stated that they called the police several times to ask for help however their calls have never been responded. Moreover, Head of Security directorate said to Mehmet Ýnsan, chair of BDP in Hatay province he had better not to go Dortyol as they will not be able to provide security. The statement indicates the situation in the town.
Turkish flags all over
The racists asked the Turks to hang Turkish flag so that they can distinguish Turks from Kurds. It is reported that houses and shops without Turkish flags are targeted and everything happens before the police and soldiers.
Kurds defended themselves
Because the security forces failed to protect the Kurds against the nationalist attacks the Kurds had to defend themselves. However, the police used tear gas against the clashing groups and some have been injured.
It is reported that the Kurds also gathered and marched in the neighbourhood where they live and chanted pro- PKK and pro-Ocalan slogans.
Governor encouraged the attacks
In his press release the governor said “the anger of the people is understandable” which encouraged the attackers who perceived the statement as a support. This official statement made it very clear how officials are approaching the riot in the town.
Minister of Interior is quiet
While these lynch attempts were happening in Dortyol the minister of interior Atalay was present in the funeral in Adana. In his speech Atalay did not mention lynchs against the Kurds but said “Clean out the Amanos Mountains” surrounding Hatay.
Mayor from Nationalist Party
While the population of Dortyol is 144 thousand there are 67 thousand Kurds living in town. The mayor is from Nationalist Movement Party MHP and city council members are also from the ruling party AKP.
