Upon the call of Peoples' Democratic Congress in Europe (HDK-E) vigil activities have been held in German city Cologne and Belgium capital Brussels to express support for the Conscience and Justice Vigil launched by the People's Democratic Party (HDP).

On the first of day of the solidarity event on Thursday, an information tent was pitched in front of the Cologne Central Station, and flyers in German were handed out to the passers-by to provide information about the HDP vigil.

On the second day, the activity was joined by HDK-Germany Co-spokespersons Elif Sonzamanci and Ali Mitil, and HDP parliamentarians Tuğba Hezer and Faysal Sarıyıldız.

“HDP IS A HOPE FOR THE PEOPLES OF TURKEY”

Parliamentarian Tuğba Hezer whose membership in the Turkish parliament was recently revoked, began her speech with condemning the genocide perpetrated against the Êzidî people in Shengal on 3 August 2014. Hezer remarked that the Turkish state, inspired by ISIs, is waging an invasion war for two years, and that this period of time has witnessed countless violations of rights.

Recalling that several mayors, deputies and over 5 thousand HDP members are jailed in Turkey, Hezer called the HDP a source of hope for the peoples of Turkey, and stated that everyone needs to unite on that path to defeat fascism.

“JUSTICE CAN NOT BE EXPECTED UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES”

Speaking after, HDP parliamentarian Faysal Sarıyıldız said: "In an environment where people are burned alive, cities are devastated, hundreds of thousands are displaced and politicians are jailed, one cannot ask for justice. We have exceptional circumstances in Turkey where all the persons who stand against fascism are thrown into jail. The fascist rulers make use of all means of oppression to keep themselves in power."

HDK-Europe organised also in Belgium capital city Brussels a sit-in action in support of the 'Conscience and Justice Vigil' of the HDP.

Many people joined the protest action at Monnaei Square to express support to the Conscience and Justice Vigil of Peoples' Democratic Party.

Demonstrators demanded the release of the HDP parliamentarians and over 150 journalists Turkey holds behind bars as they made statements in French and English on the reasons for their protest action.

HDP VIGIL IN ISTANBUL IN ITS 5TH DAY

In the meantime, the the Conscience and Justice Vigil of the HDP continues in Istanbul in its 5th day.

Representatives of civil society organisations, political parties and professional organisations will continue their visits to the HDP parliamentarians joining the vigil at Yoğurtçu Park under the motto “Let’s not stop, let’s stop fascism”.

To express support to the vigil, people make 'noise actions' at 21.00 each night, which was dedicated to educators Nuriye Gülmen and Semih Özakça who are jailed and on hunger strike for 150 days now.