People warmly welcome Democracy March on its way to Bitlis

The Hakkari leg of the Democracy March launched by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) left Van to reach Bitlis.

DBP co-chair Saliha Aydeniz, HDK co-spokesperson Sedat Şenoğlu, SYKP co-chair Canan Yüce, ESP co-chair Beycan Taşkıran and many other HDP deputies were welcomed by the public. Car drivers saluted the marchers with their horns, while people welcomed them from the balconies and the streets.

The marchers took a break near Tatvan and then walked to the center of Tatvan. Once again the police were heavily present and attempted to block the march, however the people welcomed the convoy.

A large crowd gathered in front of the HDP Provincial Organization building. HDP Ağrı MP, Dirayet Dilan Taşdemir, said the purpose of the march was freedom and the solution of the Kurdish issue which will open the way to democratization in Turkey. Taşdemir reminded that the government is trying to prevent the march, but added: "We will continue because the people are with us.”

The convoy of cars moved then towards Bitlis center.