The metropolitan municipalities of Amed, Van and Mardin, run by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), were seized by the AKP regime on August 19 through the replacement of the elected mayors by governors of the mentioned cities.

Following the suspension of the mayors, police forces laid a siege on the three municipalities and launched a crackdown against HDP deputies, party administrators, members and people who took to the streets in protest at the unlawful seizure of their municipalities.

On the 9th day of protests, HDP members and deputies started a sit-in at the Karayolları Park in the city center under police blockade. Following the action, HDP Batman MP Mehmet Şükrü Tiryaki made a statement condemning the seizure of municipalities and the crackdown of security forces against the people protesting this unlawful act.

Journalists trying to cover the protest were prevented by the police and driven away from the area. Upon the obstruction of journalists, deputies live-streamed the press statement.