Eleven days ago, Kurdish politician Ahmet Türk of the HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) was suspended by the Turkish Ministry of Interior from his post as co-mayor of the Mardin Metropolitan Municipality. Like his party colleagues Bedia Özgökçe Ertan in Van and Adnan Selçuk Mızraklı in Amed (Diyarbakır), the 77-year-old politician has been replaced by a trustee appointed by the State. Protests against this political coup have been continuing since the seizure of the three municipalities on August 19.

For the eleventh day in a row, HDP politicians have joined a "resistance vigil" in the city center. The population is being banned from participating in the protest under police blockade, but thousands of passing cars are signaling support to the HDP politicians. "The repression cannot intimidate us!" and "We are not afraid, we are not silent, we do not obey!" people shout on the streets.

Economic crisis, murder of women, military operations

HDP Batman MP Necdet Ipekyüz made a speech that the police tried to drown out through announcements on a megaphone. İpekyüz said: "Not only here, but also in Amed and Van resistance is continuing. Protest actions are taking place in many cities of Turkey. We express our anger in an extremely democratic way. The State does not allow people to breathe. I am talking about the economic crisis, the murders of women and the wrong politics implemented beyond the borders. In order to intimidate and silence the population, they have resorted to appointing trustees to our municipalities.”

The co-presidency system is one of the greatest achievements

One of the allegations by which the Turkish state justifies the dismissal of the HDP mayors is the co-presidency system. As in all other party committees, the HDP also occupies the mayor's office with one woman and one man each. HDP MP Ipekyüz said: "The co-presidency system is anchored in our legislation. It is one of our greatest achievements. This system is exemplary for the whole world. Therefore, we will continue to resist and will not keep silent.”

Another allegation cited for the removal of HDP mayors is that funds have flowed from the municipalities to the Kurdish freedom movement. HDP MP Ahmet Şık for Istanbul denied the accusation and called on the AKP to account for the excessive expenses of their own municipalities, saying that millions of dollars in funds have been paid by AKP to religious associations, foundations and sects.

After the speeches a short demonstration took place, which was concluded with chants and applause.