Protests continue for the 16th day in Amed, Mardin and Van where the metropolitan municipalities were seized by the AKP regime on August 19 through the removal of elected co-mayors and appointment of trustees in their place.

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Mardin organization and HDP deputies have gathered at the Karayolları Park in the city center in protest at the seizure of the municipality. The sit-in action at the park was once again held under police siege.

Residents who wanted to join the action and were again prevented by the police, staged a sit-in at three different locations. The protest, accompanied by songs and slogans, lasted around two hours.

HDP Urfa MP Ömer Öcalan spoke to the press and condemned the trustee invasion. Remarking that appointed trustees cannot represent the people, Öcalan said; “This is a black mark left on the history of this country.”

After the statement, the group marched to HDP Mardin offices chanting slogans.