For eight months now, a ban on assemblies has been in force in Dersim, which exclusively affects the opposition and civil society. The initiative of the Labor and Democracy Forces compares the situation to coup-like conditions.
The initiative of the Labor and Democracy Forces in Dersim has once again protested against the arbitrary assembly bans and the accompanying suspension of fundamental rights. For about eight months, a ban on activities has been in effect in the largely Alevi-populated province in northern Kurdistan. This means that any events, information stands, sit-ins or demonstrations by civil society and the opposition are banned. Only meetings and ceremonies of official authorities and the ruling parties are exempt from the ban. The governor's office, which renews the activity bans on a regular basis, justifies the measures in copy-paste fashion with security concerns. However, the Labor and Democracy Forces Initiative compares the current situation in Dersim to coup-like conditions.
Lifting of state of emergency only cosmetic gesture
"The lifting of the state of emergency in 2018 was a purely cosmetic gesture. De facto, the country is governed with regulations that are in some cases even harsher than those imposed by the state of emergency laws," said activist Hıdır Yıldız. While the group's meeting was blockaded by police, the participants resisted the assault and marched from the Street of Arts, shouting slogans, to the headquarters of the Municipal Business Center. There, a statement was read out that also addressed the student protests at Istanbul's Boğaziçi University. "Police batons are used to bring our friends in line. We condemn the violence against the students and stand with them in solidarity," Yıldız said.
We will not be silent
The activist continued, "These arbitrary bans on assemblies, which affect not only Dersim but also Van, among others, are unlawful and violate both the Turkish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. We have the right to democratic protest, freedom of opinion and expression. The democratic opposition will not be deterred by the actions of government officials and governors. We know that it is all about silencing the opposition. However, our voice will not be silenced. The resistance will continue."
