Despite repression and heavy police attacks, determined protests took place in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan to mark the anniversary of the beginning of the international plot that led to the abduction and imprisonment of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in 1999. People took to the streets in many cities. The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) considers these protests a success, even in the face of massive obstacles. The HDP's co-chair in Ankara province, Vezir Coşkun Parlak, says the best response to the attacks is to expand the struggle and collectivise the resistance.

“ISOLATION ON IMRALI HAS BECOME A FORM OF GOVERNMENT”

The HDP politician stressed that the HDP is being targeted in particular because it has the ability to unite social struggles, and this leadership role makes the state nervous. He also pointed to the political dimension of the isolation on Imrali, saying, "The process that started with the isolation on Imrali has developed into a form of government. We are trying to resolve the growing problems in our country. We keep saying that one of the most important causes of these problems in this country is the Kurdish question. As the funds allocated to the war increase, so does the social damage. If the aggravated isolation of Abdullah Öcalan is stopped, he can resolve this problem within a week. He has already declared that. Thus, the state's security-centred policy would also end."

“THE ROLE OF THE HDP WORRIES THE STATE”

Regarding the protest against the international conspiracy and the state attacks, Parlak said, "The AKP/MHP regime is trying to survive by attacking all the values of society. It controls the police and the judiciary in order to maintain its power. The regime knows very well that there are millions of citizens demanding equality, justice, peace and democracy. The main reason why the security forces attack democratic demands so hatefully that it even mocks enemy law is the contribution of HDP members in all struggles and their contribution to the politicisation of society. This situation worries them."

“WE WILL RESPOND BY STRENGTHENING OUR STRUGGLE”

Regarding Habip Eksik, who was seriously injured after a police attack during the 9 October protests in Yüksekova, Hakkari and is in hospital with a double broken leg, Parlak said: "Our MP Habip Eksik is a doctor. They hate him because of that. We do not accept the attack on our MP. We will respond by strengthening our struggle for peace, freedom and justice."

“PROTESTS ARE HOPE FOR ALL”

Underlining that people took to the streets despite the pressure and violence, Parlak said, "This uprising has given hope to all and represents one of the biggest steps on the road to freedom. At the first opportunity we have, together we will hunt this criminal government out of office and build the future we dream of. Everyone should know that this cannot happen without the HDP. For this, we will unite with all those who stand for labour, peace, justice, democracy and freedom and grow the Alliance for Labour and Freedom."