143 people including journalists, politicians, lawyers and representatives of non-governmental organizations were taken into custody in 21 cities as a result of an Amed-based political operation on Tuesday.

Out of the 143 detainees, 48 were sent to prison for alleged “membership in a terrorist organization”, meaning the PKK.

The demonstration in front of the Human Rights Monument at Koşuyolu Park was attended by the Human Rights Association (IHD) Co-Chair Eren Keskin, Turkish Medical Association (TTB) Chairperson Şebnem Korur Fincancı and representatives of the non-governmental organizations in the city.

Speaking here, IHD Co-Chair Eren Keskin said: “The destiny of these lands has never changed. To our regret, all humanitarian demands have been violently suppressed and the state policy has never changed. An operation against the existence of the Kurds is in question today. They are not pleased with our right to exist. They are disturbed by the existence of Kurdish lawyers, artists, journalists and politicians. Our existence disturbs them. We have remained under repression since the foundation of the republic just because we demand peace. Enough is enough. We will not end off. We exist and will continue to exist.”

Speaking after, TTB Chairperson Şebnem Korur Fincancı said: “They are preparing for the elections with detentions and arrests. They consolidate violations of rights and do whatever they can. The state, which has failed to develop an effective investigation mechanism for those forcibly disappeared, is now resorting to detaining those who fight for rights. The struggle of these people will not end unless the inequality ends. We will never give up this struggle and will keep it going to the very end.”

IHD Amed Branch Chairperson Abdullah Zeytun defined “the routine repression of civil society” as unacceptable for human rights defenders who advocate the freedom of the press, a confrontation with human rights violations and unlawfulness and stand against the crackdown on civil society.

“It is no coincidence that the latest wave of detentions and arrests comes shortly before the elections. We know that it could also affect the safety of elections. Yet, we are also aware of the fact that this crackdown is a desperate situation that cannot be degraded into the election process alone. These are systematic practices that we have long witnessed and have also existed before the current government. We once again demand the immediate release of those arrested.”