After the devastating earthquake that struck 11 provinces on February 6, volunteers, İBB (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) employees, TTB (Turkish Medical Association), TÖP (Social Freedom Party) and Halkevleri (Community Centers) set up tents to provide help for the survivors in the Sevgi Park in the Defne district of Hatay province. The police have today asked volunteer groups to evacuate the area.

It is reported that the police told the volunteers in the park, "We will offer you another place as the Red Crescent will distribute food in the park," but did not indicate any specific location.

While the volunteers have been given time until the evening, no information has been provided about what would happen to the containers brought by health workers or the living spaces established by the volunteers for the earthquake victims.

Speaking about the police notice, HDP MP Tülay Hatimoğulları said: “I talked to Barış Atay (MP for Workers’ Party of Turkey, TİP) and friends from TİP, TÖP and Halkevi about the Sevgi Park. A few days ago, Barış was told that 'The damaged buildings around the park would be demolished. You must get out of here for your health'. Today, the deputy governor, officials from the state-run AFAD and policemen have visited the tents, not only the ones established by political circles, but also those of the survivors. They told the survivors that they would have to leave the park by 18.00, saying: ‘We're evacuating all the parks. If you can't go anywhere, we'll offer you a tent area and help you to relocate.’

TTB has demanded a written notification, saying: "We provide health care here. Show us a place if we are meant to go out" but was responded "We do not have a written notification."

Officials blabbed out that they would set up Red Crescent tents in the park. Are they really going to set up Red Crescent tents, or do the tents have to be disassembled for demolition? There is different information. But if there a demolition is set to take place, our friends will need to leave the area because the buildings are too close, which poses a danger to them. Probably, the authorities use this as an excuse, actually seeking to remove the tents there. In fact, it seems that they want to achieve their goal through this method.”