Speaking on behalf of all the suspects in the historical KCK case of Kurdish politicians, Batman Mayor Nejdet Atalay demanded the approval of defense in Kurdish, saying that they will not attend the hearings unless the situation is changed. Kurdish politicians were prevented by gendarmes when they wanted to leave the court hall after the speech.

During the ongoing case of Kurdish politicians in Diyarbakir 6th High Criminal Court, Batman Mayor Nejdet Atalay began to speak on behalf of all suspects. Atalay remarked that all their demands have been rejected since 18 trials and stated their refusal to the decision. Atalay said it is a historical case where Kurdish people stand trial, adding they will not attend the hearings unless the situation is changed”. Following the speech, all suspects together applauded and wanted to leave the court hall but prevented by gendarmes. The hearing was suspended.

Translation: Berna Ozgencil